1. Keep appliances clean
Appliance repairs typically cost between $100 to $250 per job but can be as much as $500, depending on where you live and what needs fixing. This cost only increases if you end up needing to replace the appliance.
Luckily, you can cut down on these outlays by simply giving your appliances some TLC.
“Maintaining your appliances is a great way to avoid repairs,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. “This can be as simple as keeping your oven clean, using a vacuum to clean your dryer vents, and making sure the coils on your refrigerator are clean.”
Other tasks Micetich recommends are regularly replacing the filter in your HVAC system and scheduling a check-in at the midpoint of an appliance’s life span, generally about five years.
“It might be worth hiring a professional for a tuneup to help extend the appliance’s life and avoid having to pay for a replacement,” says Micetich.
2. Get your chimney inspected off-season
If you have a wood-burning stove, you’re probably familiar with the expensive (and messy) annual cleaning routine.
Wood stoves typically cost between $200 to $500 per cleaning. Depending on the kind of wood you burn and how much you use your stove—you might need to do this more than once per year.
“One way to save money here would be to plan to do this project out of season,” says Micetich. “Most folks will think about cleaning their chimney in the fall right before they want to use it, but if you instead do it in the spring or summer, you might be able to save a bit.”
Another idea? After your first inspection, learn how to do the second annual cleaning yourself.
3. Keep your HVAC happy
HVAC systems are one of those often forgotten parts of our home—until they stop working.
While HVAC repairs typically cost $350 on average, they can run as much as $3,000. Avoid these expenses by monitoring your system and learning what you can do to keep it humming.
“Homeowners should change their filters regularly,” says Steven McCullough, franchise owner of WIN Home Inspection. “Also, they can consider lowering their thermostat settings in the winter and setting it a little higher in the summer to help prolong the life of the units.”
4. Refinish your deck yourself
Refinishing a deck is one of the most expensive items on Thumbtack’s annual report—costing an average of $1,022 to complete.
If you plan to replace any boards or upgrade the design, that cost will only rise. While quality paints and stains aren’t cheap, labor drives this project’s price.
“This is definitely a DIY job,” says McCullough. “Even if sanding or repairs are involved, homeowners should be able to apply stain and sealing with just a little research and minimal tools.”
5. Tackle your lawn care
Another incredibly pricey item that homeowners spend the big bucks on every year? Lawn care and tree trimming.
Full-service lawn care costs about $100 to $400 per month, depending on the size of your lot, while tree trimming can run as much as $475 to $1,267 per tree.
A bit of elbow grease and weekend motivation can save you thousands per year on both of these fronts.
