In the hustle and bustle of summer, it's easy to take for granted all the effort that goes into keeping our homes comfortable year-round. But let's face it — we feel it when temperatures start rising and the outside world turns up its heat. Warmer weather signals a host of challenges in and outside of our abodes. From the sweltering humidity to rust-loving insects, summer changes can be a real test for your home's maintenance regimen. Fortunately, with a few strategic measures over the coming months, you can prepare your home for summer on behalf of its occupants — upgrading your air conditioning system or introducing natural pest control into your yard.

Change your air conditioner setting.

In the summertime, a typical air conditioner might only be able to remove about half of the heat from the air. This is because air conditioners don't filter out the humidity that's also present in the air. For this reason, you might need to keep your air conditioner on at a higher setting to keep your home cooler. You can also try lowering your home's temperature by opening the windows or installing an evaporative cooler. Opening your windows will help remove the humidity in the air and help cool your home down. If you have air conditioning, you may consider lowering the setting during summer. While it's essential to keep your home cool, lowering the setting can help lower the energy required by your air conditioner. The lower the setting, the less energy your air conditioner will consume. If you're in an area that consistently experiences hot weather, you may consider lowering your air conditioner even further. Your air conditioner settings can also be a factor in protecting your home from pests.

Protect your yard from pests

If you have a lawn, you should consider protecting it from pests with a barrier such as a fence or netting. This can be especially helpful if you have a garden with attractive produce like tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants. Keeping these vegetables off of your lawn can help to protect your grass from being damaged by these plants. In areas with a lot of bush or trees, consider installing awnings on your patio, covering your swimming pool, or installing mosquito netting around your pool to protect your yard from pests. These measures can keep pests like bees and wasps out of your yard while protecting your patio or pool from damage. If you have outdoor plants like flowers or herbs, consider keeping them in pots to protect your plants from pests like aphids or spider mites, often in outdoor gardens during summer.

Check the water system and plumbing.

If you have an irrigation system, you may want to consider turning it off during the summer months. This help protects your system from being damaged if it experiences a sudden temperature rise. Summertime means more people are spending time outdoors. Check the water pressure in your home (typically lower during the summer months) and ensure that the shutoff valve is turned on. If you have a well, you may also consider keeping a bucket nearby to quickly fill it with water if your city water is turned off due to a break in service.

Update your emergency preparedness plan

Besides protecting your home from pests, protecting yourself and your loved ones from unforeseen dangers is crucial. If you live in a place prone to natural disasters ( hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or earthquakes), you may want to consider updating your emergency preparedness plan. This help to protect you and your family during an emergency by ensuring that you and your loved ones have a way to get food, water, shelter, and medical care for an extended period.

Summertime brings with it the promise of warmer weather, outdoor activities, and other benefits. But summer also brings challenges, including increased humidity and pest infestations. To protect your home and family from these challenges, check your air conditioner and water pressure settings, protect your yard from pests, and check for signs of water leaks.