There’s an old joke that an innkeeper explains his guest’s leaky roof by saying, “When it’s raining, I can’t fix it, and when it’s not, I don’t need to.” Summer is the time when you don’t need winterization, but it’s the best time to do it. Temperatures are warmer, there’s no snow and ice, and there is plenty of time to get professional help if you find out you need it. Here are some things you should be crossing off your to-do list well ahead of the first flakes.

Add Some Insulation

Winter typically has two memorable parts: Bad weather and high utility bills. You can’t control the weather, but you can certainly prepare your home to handle it the best you can. A very common step is to add some insulation in the attic. Summer mornings are typically cool enough to make the job bearable, and the payoff will be evident with your first winter heating bill.

Improve Runoff

A dribbling gutter or slow downspout may not be a big problem during warm weather, but cold temps could cause icy patches or clogs that could create a slippery mess when temperatures drop below freezing. During a summer rainstorm, see if there are any problems with water accumulating on sidewalks, porches, or driveways, and resolve them while it’s warm out.

Prepare Your HVAC

An efficient heating and cooling system uses less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. Key to that good performance is getting the unit service. Have your contractor give the system a thorough inspection and cleaning, and do it during warm weather when you can go without it for a few days if repairs are needed. Your contractor won’t be as busy then either.

Get Heating Oil

The innkeeper didn’t need fuel oil in the summer either, but he should have known that’s usually a cheaper time to buy it. If you call a local company, like Cash Oil, and have them get your tank filled during the summer months, you’ll not only save some money but you’ll also be prepared if a surprise early cold snap hits. And just like your HVAC technician, you’ll get faster service, too.

After a rough winter, the last thing we want to spend the summer doing is thinking about cold weather. But if you’ll invest a little time in some upgrades while the weather permits it, you’ll find yourself safer and financially better off as the north winds begin to howl.