Summer is here, and it’s shaping up to be a scorcher.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac’s summer 2026 forecast, most regions in the United States can expect the hottest temperatures in recorded history. The Almanac predicts a warm, hot, and muggy summer for most of the nation, except the Upper Midwest and Heartland, where more seasonable summer temperatures are expected.
The Southwest and Pacific Northwest are expected to see dry conditions for most of the summer. New England and most areas east of the Mississippi River are on track to have yet another wet summer. Thunderstorms are predicted to be plentiful in the Great Lakes and Midwest region.
To keep your home comfortable and protected during this extreme weather, now’s the time to tackle a few smart summer prep projects. The following are a few ways to stay cool.
1. Tune up your HVAC system
An inefficient HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system can drive up summer cooling costs. If you haven't serviced your HVAC system, hiring a professional HVAC technician to give your system a tune-up before summer begins ensures it will run smoothly during the hot months.
According to Angi data, a tune-up costs an average of $250 — less than half of the cost of the average HVAC repair bill.
2. Change HVAC air filters
A clean HVAC filter can reduce allergens in your home and help your system run more efficiently. For best results, change the filter at least once every three months — or more often if you have pets, allergies or live in a dusty area.
Buying a box of replacement filters in advance can make it easier to stay on schedule. Most homeowners can learn to change the filter themselves in just a few minutes, saving time and money compared to calling in a pro.
3. Rotate ceiling fans counterclockwise
When used properly, a ceiling fan can help keep a room cool. In the summer, you should set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise. “This will help circulate cool air and push it down into your room, creating a cooling effect throughout,” Kate McKenna, a senior editor at home improvement site The Spruce, tells Kiplinger.
4. Plug air leaks
A poorly insulated house can jack up your utility bill, but you can combat it with a combination of air sealing and proper insulation. Check your home’s attic, windows and exterior doors for gaps, and seal them before the summer months to help keep cooled air inside your home.
Bonus: Adding insulation also means you’ll save money in the winter by keeping warm air inside. Homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in their attic, floors over crawl spaces and basements, the EPA estimates.
5. Program your lawn sprinkler system
Your lawn may need extra hydration to stay healthy during long, hot summer days. Make sure your sprinkler system is working efficiently. Check for proper coverage, water pressure and any signs of leaks or misaligned heads.
Many homeowners tend to overwater, which can lead to wasted water and shallow root growth. To conserve water and help your lawn absorb moisture more effectively, run your sprinklers early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is lower.
6. Aerate your lawn
Aeration entails making small holes in your yard to allow for better water penetration, helping the soil breathe and soak up nutrients.
You can do it yourself by renting a core aerator from a local home improvement store, or hire a professional aeration service. Depending on the size of your lawn, aeration typically costs from $75 to $205, according to Angi data.
7. Deep clean your outdoor grill
Cookouts are synonymous with summer, so make sure your grill is ready for barbecuing. If you have a gas grill, first scrub the grates with a grill brush, then soak them in a mixture of 2 cups of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda.
Dust off any cobwebs from your grill, which can cause a flare-up if they ignite, and clean the outside of the lid and bowl with soap and water.
Cleaning methods can vary based on the type of grill you own. Home Depot provides step-by-step cleaning guides for gas, charcoal and pellet grills. If you’ve recently purchased a flat top grill, cleaning it requires a slightly different approach, check out this video for a step-by-step guide:
8. Clear out gutters
Heavy rainfall can spell disaster if your gutters are clogged. Clearing out dirt and debris can help prevent water backups.
While some homeowners choose to clean their gutters themselves, the job can be risky without the right tools or experience, especially on multi-story homes. Improper cleaning can also damage your gutters or roof. Hiring a professional is often the safest option.
A professional gutter cleaning costs from $119 to $234, on average, HomeAdvisor reports. (Gutter cleaning for two- and three-story structures tends to cost more than single-story homes.)
9. Keep indoor humidity in check
Generally, your home’s indoor humidity level should stay around 40% to 50% in the summer. Humidity levels of 60% or higher can lead to mold, mildew and dust mites, according to the EPA.
You can monitor your home’s humidity with a simple hygrometer. Signs of excess moisture include musty odors, foggy windows or mold spots. If needed, a dehumidifier can help draw excess moisture from the air. Just be sure to choose the right size for your space to get the best results.
10. Consider getting flood insurance
Floods can happen anywhere; more than 25% of flood insurance claims are filed by people who live outside high-risk flood areas, according to FEMA. However, flooding isn’t covered by most standard home insurance policies.
You can purchase flood insurance coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Nationally, the average annual flood insurance premium is $947, according to NerdWallet; rates for homes in areas with low-to-moderate risk of floods typically cost $628 per year. That's a worthwhile investment when you consider that flood damage can be expensive to repair, even from a relatively small amount of water. Just one inch of water in a home can cause thousands of dollars in damage
Use the tool below, powered by Bankrate, to compare some of today's top home insurance offers:
