Sure, spring is the perfect opportunity to take strolls in the park and enjoy outdoor activities. But it's also a great opportunity to clean up the damage caused by the winter season, and prepare your home for the effects of the impending summer heat.

Whether it's making sure your cooling system is ready to go up against the summer heat, or ensuring that your roof can withstand torrential winter weather, keep reading to learn what should be on your spring to-do list…

Make Sure Your HVAC System is Functioning Properly

If there's a perfect time to replace air conditioning equipment, it's when you don't need it - like during the spring, which boasts mild temperatures, according to Eric Knaak, vice president of operations for Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning in upstate New York.

Knaak says spring is typically the quietest season of the year for HVAC contractors, and therefore salespeople are eager to sell.

"This affords the client an opportunity to get numerous competitive bids," Knaak explains. The result: you can make a decision based not only on what system is best for your home needs, but also based on the best price, Knaak says.

One added benefit: because contractors are less busy during spring, the job can usually be scheduled within a few days, according to Knaak. That means no long waiting periods that can interrupt your spring schedule.

Install Insulated Siding

When installed correctly, siding will protect your home from the elements, including extreme heat and cold, water infiltration (which can lead to mold), and insects, according to Dave Harrison, chief marketing officer of Champion, a company that offers home exterior products.

And if your spring cleaning checklist includes finding a way to reduce energy costs, a siding replacing could do the trick. In fact, choosing a siding with insulation can help lower your energy bills during the summer because heat won't transfer through your walls so easily, Harrison adds.

This is also a great project to undertake during the spring as the mild weather will help the renovation run more smoothly, says Rich Van Tassel, president of Royal Oaks Building group, a residential homebuilder.

"Wet conditions and siding installation do not mix well," says Van Tassel, who adds that water can easily compromise the value and quality of the siding material and may cause it to rot or buckle.

"You don't want your siding to warp, as it won't function as well in protecting your home and may not be as aesthetically pleasing, in which case you will feel compelled to completely redo the siding," he says.