Summer isn’t quite over, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see pumpkins, scarecrows and cinnamon sticks in store displays before autumn officially kicks off Sept. 22.

While daytime temps will remain high for a bit longer, cooler weather is on the way, so check out these tips to get your home ready.

Your house is trying to tell you something

Does your home sound like a haunted house when the wind blows? Do the windows rattle like a ghost tripping through the attic? If so, it’s time to check your weather-stripping and seals. Windows and doors are the primary culprits, so take some time to seal them. It will make your home more comfortable and your energy bills more manageable.

Filthy filter, higher energy bills

Have you ever cleaned your dryer’s lint trap and wondered how that much lint could accumulate in one laundry load? Well, your air filters are pretty much the same. If you don’t change them monthly, they become clogged with dirt, dust and pet hair, making your air conditioner work a lot harder and your energy bills higher. Set a reminder and buy several filters in advance to make this chore easy and fast.

Schedule HVAC maintenance

Right now, your furnace is living its best life: unemployed and unbothered. But pretty soon, it’s going to have to get to work keeping you warm. Don’t wait until the first cold snap to discover there’s a problem. Like your A/C, furnaces need annual check-ups and the best time to do it is when you’re not using it. Book that check-up now before the rush.

Find it before you need it

Every homeowner should know the location of their main natural gas shut-off valve and how to operate it. Place tools like wrenches and screwdrivers nearby so that, if there’s an emergency, you can shut off the gas in a flash.

Silent and invisible: carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide doesn’t announce itself. It’s a colorless and odorless gas that can be released into your home if your furnace isn’t functioning properly. It can be deadly in large quantities. This is why you should have several working carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Here, the focus is on functionality. Regular testing of these devices ensures they will alert you in the event of an emergency.

Before you dig, dial this number

When the weather is nicer, you might consider planting a tree, building a fence, or engaging in other outdoor improvements that involve digging. Make sure you call 811 at least two working days first. It’s free, it’s fast, and it means someone will mark the underground utilities so your shovel doesn’t accidentally start an unplanned fireworks show.

The good news is none of the items listed here requires a full weekend or a contractor’s visit. A few small tasks now mean a more comfortable home, a lower energy bill, and one less thing to worry about when temperatures finally drop.