If you’re like many Midwestern homeowners, you’re itching to throw open windows and doors and revel in balmy temperatures after an unusually frigid and snowy winter. There are a number of preparatory spring chores you should do, but concentrating on just a few simple repair and maintenance actions will help protect your home from damage this summer or fall.

Fix leaks around windows and doors

While you don’t have to worry about cold air leaking in once the weather warms up, taking time now to fix leaks that have developed around windows or doors in your home will pay dividends next fall. Caulking should be done when temperatures are warmer, so adding it now is a good idea while you aren’t busy taking care of late-season chores that might supersede fixing cracks.

Clean and repair gutters and downspouts

Strong autumn winds as well as winter ice and snow storms allow leaves and other matter to collect in your downspouts. When it’s safe to venture up a ladder after snow and ice have melted, make sure the gutters are clear of debris and the downspouts will funnel water away from your foundation when hard spring rains or summer thunderstorms hit. While you’re cleaning your gutters, visually inspect the roof from the ladder to determine whether shingles are damaged or missing. If that’s the case, you’ll need to call a roofing company to provide repair estimates.

Have your air conditioning system checked

No matter what kind of air conditioning system your home uses, you should have a pre-season inspection done by a professional HVAC technician to ensure you’ll be cool when the first heat wave hits. Regular maintenance will not only ensure that your system will work when it’s needed, but will also help prolong its useful life. Even before a HVAC technician comes to your home, you can change the filter you used through the winter heating season.

Check safety systems

Spring is usually severe weather season. It’s a good idea to make sure that you have batteries on hand for flashlights and a battery-operated NOAA weather radio so that you can get updated essential information during a power outage. You should also check your smoke detector’s batteries. Many experts recommend doing this on the weekend that you change your clocks to daylight savings time.

These are just some of the spring chores you’ll need to do, but they are some of the most important ones. When you’ve completed them, you can enjoy the pleasant weather knowing your house is ready for the coming season.