Making our homes summer-ready

With the warmer weather fast approaching, area homeowners are encouraged to make sure their homes are ready for summer.

Reliance Home Comfort Regional Operation's Manager Ryan Mote said the last thing you want to deal with on a sweltering hot day is a broken AC unit.

Mote said now is the perfect time to go through a pre-summer checklist in and around your home.

Interior:

• Check your HVAC system to ensure it's running safely and optimally-- Mote said checking your filter is the most critical thing to do before starting up your air conditioner
• Remove your cover and make sure your outdoor unit is clean
• Ensure any ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise in the warmer months to push cool air down-- Mote said ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to promote healthy air circulation
• Check your sump pump, pipes, faucets and toilets-- plumbing can take a beating during the winter

Exterior:

• Check all your windows-- proper caulking will help keep water outside and cool air inside
• Clean out your gutters and downspouts-- standing water leftover from winter can lead to mold and bugs while cracks can lead to damaging leaks

Inspect your roof-- Mote said by standing across the street with a pair of binoculars, it's easy to see any damage to your roof Mote said if any of these do-it-yourself jobs aren't for you, area professionals are available to help.

"Get out in the beautiful weather, take a look around your house and if you ever have any questions call the professionals and we'll come over and give you some free advice."

The Weather Network is predicting a cooler and wetter than normal summer for southwestern Ontario.

Meteorologist Tyler Hamilton said the sustained summer heat likely won't arrive until July and that rainfall amounts should continue to be higher than normal.