Preparing your home for the summer months

Here are a few home improvement tips you will find useful this year:

1. Change air filters. Some manufacturers say you should change them out monthly. Although we don't know anyone who actually does this, it's worth noting that they do actually work more efficiently when changed out regularly, and that can save money - even though you're spending more on the filters.
2. Change the refrigerator filter. Presumably, you'll be drinking more water when it's hot outside, so change the filter now and improve the taste of your water before you really need it.
3. Buy some decent outdoor furniture. Or fix yours up with outdoor paint. It's easy to do, whether you're dealing with wood, metal, or plastic.
4. Plant something pretty. Wait until it's scorching and you run the risk of floppy flowers. Get info about what to plant when for your climate online.
5. Ditch ruddy throws and blankets. It's time to bring in something light and soft. Even if you're not one who does a big seasonal swap with your furnishings, this easy change out will make your home feel fresh and summery.
6. Change out your backsplash. If it's dark, drab or dated, a new backsplash can give the kitchen a lift without knocking anything major down or adding anything super expensive. Choose something reflective to bounce light around the room if it is a dark space.
7. Clean the carpets. Were you aware that E. coli, salmonella, staphylococcus and other bacteria can live in the carpet? Gross, right? "Research indicates that your carpet probably contains about 200,000 bacteria per square inch, making it 4,000 times dirtier than your toilet seat," said Men's Health. "The average person sheds about 1.5 million skin cells every hour; these skin cells hit the rug and serve as food for germs. Add in food particles, pollen, and pet dander and you have a gratis buffet." A vacuum cleaner might not be able to reach deep down to grab all of those germs, but a professional carpet cleaner will.
8. Plant a vegetable garden. Summer is the perfect time to start eating better. Give yourself an edge with an at-home vegetable garden. Veggies that can be planted in early spring include spinach, kale, radishes, broccoli and peas. "Summer favorites like okra, squash and tomatoes require long, hot days to grow," said P. Allen Smith Garden Home. Get a complete how-to for planting your first garden online.
9. Clean your windows. They're probably gross, and they're also blocking the light.
10. Slap on some solar screens. If you're in a high-heat area and you want to block the sun, solar screens may be the answer. "Solar screens are the most effective window treatments that you can apply to your home for lowering energy bills by stopping the heat transfer through your windows and doors while still maintaining your view," said Lone Star Solar Screens.
11. Take on a project and make it a family affair. Summer fun doesn't have to be relegated to vacations. Want to lay new tile in the kitchen? Take the family to the local big box store for a workshop and then get started. It might just be fun. And even if you have to overcome some occasional (or more than occasional) whining along the way, you'll always have the pride of knowing you did it yourselves once you're done.
12. Build a firepit. You could always buy one, but why should you when you can build one.