Thomas Borcherding, the owner of Homestar Design Remodel, stresses the importance of cleaning out the ductwork that runs from your dryer to your home's exterior, as lint can build up with time. “This is a huge fire hazard, and can also make your dryer perform worse,” he explains. Use this dryer vent cleaner tool to clear it out. It features a cleaning brush head attached to rods that can extend up to 30 feet to reach deep inside your machine and pipes. Attach it to a power drill for the most thorough results.

Borcherding also recommends utilizing water leak detectors that will sound an alarm if moisture is detected. “By placing them under sinks and near other plumbing components, you add a layer of protection that could save you thousands of dollars in damages,” he says. The devices are powered by batteries (so no wiring is required), and they put out a loud 90-decibel alarm to alert you. This particular set includes two detectors, but single-, five-, and eight-packs are all available in the listing.

This may come as a surprise, but Borcherding says, “From my extensive bathroom remodeling experience, I can confidently tell you that most bathroom fans do not exhaust to the outdoors.” This can lead to mold and other damage as a result. To limit moisture, you should run a small dehumidifier during and after bathing. It’s built for rooms up to 280 square feet and the 800-milliliter tank can collect up to 16 ounces of water. The device will shut off automatically when full; the light will flash red to alert you that it’s time to empty it.

“One of the most essential things a homeowner or tenant can do to prevent expensive damage is to place coasters underneath furniture,” explains Borcherding. These can stop your furniture from digging grooves into your flooring, which is an issue that is costly to repair. This 12-pack of caster cups have carpeted bottoms that are smooth and soft. And the neutral color won’t be easily visible underneath your furniture.

According to Borcherding, the average foundation repair project costs more than $20,000. However, this downspout extender can prevent damage by routing water from your gutters away from your home (rather than dumping it along the perimeter). It extends from 21 to 66 inches long and it comes with two adapters to fit on different kinds of downspouts. The extender can be buried underground if desired and the material is durable to last through inclement weather.

Craig Ricks Jr., the president of Acadian Windows and Siding, suggests that you “caulk your windows in order to seal them against water getting in.” This waterproof caulk is mold- and mildew-resistant, and it won’t yellow, shrink, or crack over time. Once applied, the caulk can be exposed to water in as little as 30 minutes.

It’s important to regularly clear debris and vegetation from around your outdoor HVAC unit within a 2-foot radius to keep it running properly. Ryan Collier, the director at Heat Pump Source, also suggests that you “install a protective cage or cover to shield it.” This mesh cover still allows airflow to the unit, and it features four adjustable bungee cords for a secure fit. Choose from three sizes in the listing.

A simple way to optimize energy usage? Install a programmable thermostat. “By setting your thermostat to adjust temperatures when you're away, you can reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system and save on energy bills,” explains Collier. Once installed (which is a DIY-friendly project), the thermostat can be programmed to set minimum cooling and maximum heating temps.

Drew Mansur, the co-founder of TileCloud, recommends routinely applying a water-repelling grout sealer in tiled areas in your bathroom or kitchen to “[prevent] water damage and mold growth.” The sealer is simple to apply (just spray it on and wipe off any excess) and it doesn’t have a strong odor. It covers up to 75 linear feet of tile.

There are many benefits of using these door draft stoppers in your home. “It's not just to save you money on heating and cooling costs but it also protects the interiors from humidity by keeping it well insulated,” explains Mansur. This 2-inch-thick stopper is made from durable polyester (which can be trimmed to the precise size needed). Pick from pack sizes ranging from one to four.

Each of the gutter guards in this set of two is 20 feet in length — though they can be cut to size with regular scissors as needed — to shield your gutters. They’re made from plastic (meaning they won’t get rusty or corroded over time), and the included clips hold them in place. “These are so important because they prevent leaves and debris from clogging your gutters, reducing the risk of water damage to your roof and foundations,” notes Mansur.

Mansur suggests using a mold and mildew spray like this one to “prevent mold buildup in damp areas.” It can be used on hard, nonporous surfaces like bathtubs, counters, sinks, and sealed grout. And the bleach-based formula cleans and disinfects without any scrubbing required — just spray it on, wait 10 seconds, and wipe the surface clean.

Mansur suggests that drain protectors can save you “potential plumbing headaches.” With a 4.7-star overall rating after 15,000-plus reviews, this stainless steel drain protector fits inside most sink drains to trap hair and other debris, prevent clogs. To clean the tool, pull it out and give it a wipe.

Jamin Katzer, the senior construction manager at Earth Saving Solutions, advocates for cleaning and sanitizing your dishwasher to keep it in good shape. These dishwasher cleaning tablets are designed to deep clean your entire dishwasher (including pieces you can’t see like the pump, valve, and hoses), getting rid of limescale and mineral buildup for optimal performance. The tablets can be used on all dishwasher makes and models.

Katzer says, “A smart detector will test [if batteries are still functioning] automatically and will have a green light indicating it is fine,” saving you getting on a ladder for the monthly battery check he recommends. This smart smoke detector connects to a mobile app for you to check the battery status with ease and it also notifies you when the alarm is going off. The smoke detector has a 10-year lifespan.

Katzer suggests checking the weather stripping on your front, back, and other exterior doors and replacing it as needed. Doing so “will keep your heating and cooling bill in check,” which will also reduce wear and tear on your HVAC systems. This 32-foot weather strip can be cut to the size needed and it installs using a peel-and-stick adhesive backing. It’s weatherproof and windproof to last.

Katzer notes that you should lube your garage door every year. “This will prevent a damaged garage door that can lead to costly repairs and or damage to your vehicle if it falls,” he adds. Use this professional-grade lubricant on hinges, tracks, chains, pulleys, sliding gate rollers, and other metal components for smooth operation and to prevent rust and corrosion. The formula dries quickly and doesn’t leave behind any residue.

Another project to add to your to-do list? “Remove [your] windows and clean the trough and glides for smooth operation,” notes Katzer. He says doing this “helps the longevity of the window glides.” This window track cleaning kit comes with three cleaning brushes (that are specifically shaped to reach into tricky grooves and crevices), four sponges, and a pair of dustpan brushes. The sponges can be removed and washed so you can use them all over again.

Another tool for clearing your window tracks, per Katzer’s suggestion, is this handy duster sponge that you can use so many ways. Get this sponge wet and run it through window tracks or door glides. This will pick up bits of dust, dirt, and debris that could be blocking your windows or doors from closing properly. Not only will it keep your doors and windows functioning for longer, but it may also allow them to close better to save you money on your energy bill.

Another annual project that Katzer suggests? Sealing your wooden fence with some waterproof sealer and the help of this durable brush; it can “extend the life and prevent costly repairs,” he explains. It can also be used on wooden decks, sheds, and furniture. The 4-inch brush makes it easy to cover a lot of surface area quickly, and it’s compatible with latex and water-based stains and sealants.

If you have a septic tank, pour this septic system maintenance treatment in your toilet (and flush it down) every month. It “extends the life of [your] septic system and helps it operate properly,” explains Katzer. It’s specifically formulated to break apart toilet paper, grease, and waste that can cause clogs. The treatment features powerful bacteria and enzymes that are gentle on pipes and tanks.

Plop one of these garbage disposer cleaners in your machine to clean it and remove buildup. Plus, it “helps keep it fresh and will extend the life,” adds Katzer — and it features a bright lemon scent. The set comes with enough pellets for 20 uses and they’re biodegradable.

Dan Walker, the owner of Walker Home Remodeling, says that an under-sink mat like this one can help stop a slow water leak from damaging your cabinets. He adds that it “also [protects] against spills of cleaning products and other staining items.” It’s made from a thick, heavy-duty material with a raised lip to trap leaks and spills. The mat comes in three sizes, though it can be trimmed for a precise fit.

“Cabinet bumpers are a simple way to limit damage to your kitchen and bathroom cabinets, plus they reduce noise,” explains Walker. The set comes with 128 clear circular bumpers and each one has adhesive on the back to stick onto various surfaces, including glass, wood, metal, ceramic, and more.

Not only does this window film offer privacy, but it also “offers protection against UV damage, which can bleach flooring and furniture,” explains Walker. The film is simple to apply using just water. Look at the listing to see rolls in a variety of sizes and colors.

Don’t underestimate the power of a good door stopper. They’re a “simple fix” to protect your walls from damage, indicates Walker. These door stoppers will work on any floor material — including carpet, tile, hardwood, and stone — and the grippy, rubber material can effectively hold open even heavy doors. You can even stack two stoppers for larger gaps. Choose from single-, three-, four-, and six-packs (plus various colors) in the listing.

If you live in an area that experiences freezes during the winter, Walker suggests wrapping these faucet covers around your outdoor faucets to “protect [against] a burst pipe and water damage.” Each of the two faucet covers features a waterproof Oxford exterior for protection against the elements and a cotton-lined inside. The hook-and-loop fastener ensures it stays in place.

These handle stoppers stick onto walls, functioning as “an inexpensive way to protect your walls from holes or dents,” notes Walker. They’re 2 inches in diameter for optimal protection. And since they’re clear, they’re hardly noticeable once in place. This set comes with six pieces.

Walker recommends placing a boot tray near any exterior door to protect the flooring below. “It will keep water and mud off the floor,” he adds. This tray is made from thick plastic with a rubberized backing that’ll prevent it from sliding around, even when stepped on. The boot tray is completely waterproof so you don’t have to worry about snow or mud seeping through it. Choose from various sizes and designs in the listing.

Walker warns: “Be cautious about using extension cords. You shouldn't plug one into another to gain extra outlets.” His solution? Use an outlet extender like this one to plug in all of your electronics. It has nine total slots — including five outlets, three USB-A ports, and one USB-C port — and it offers surge protection. The extender features an LED night light at the bottom, plus a small shelf on top to hold a device as it charges.

Terry Fraser, owner of Renco Home Improvements, calls a Zircon stud finder “essential for accurate stud detection, minimizing drywall damage.” So the next time you’re thinking about mounting your television, putting up a heavy shelf, or bolting your bookshelves to a wall, consider using this stud finder. Fraser calls this, “user-friendly, precise, and [a] great value.”

Fraser advises opting for a heavy-duty extension cord when using any machinery or high-powered devices in and around your house. He says, “I had a homeowner call me recently after running a shop vac with an inadequate extension cord and causing minor fire damage! It's important to have a quality high-gauge cord on hand.”

Thomas Borcherding, owner and lead designer of Homestar Design Remodel, points to your gutter management as an important area to pay attention to. Borcherding says, “While it’s not the most glamorous home improvement, managing the rainwater your home receives is one of the most important things you can do. Rainwater that gets dumped at a home’s foundation will eventually lead to settlement, and a repair bill in the tens of thousands.” This gutter downspout extension is easy to attach to your standard gutter and will redirect your rainwater away from your foundation. This comes in four colors to match your gutters, and is a pack of two.

Another more subtle way to redirect your gutter water is this extension pad that sits under your gutter and gently slopes water away from your foundation. This extension splash pad measures 24 inches and comes in a pack of two, so you can outfit multiple gutters.

One more creative way to utilize rain water while protecting your house is to invest in this rainwater collection system. This spout easily fits in between sections of your gutter pipes, and siphons water away. Attach a hose and connect this to a bucket or rainwater barrel to collect the excess rainwater. Then it’s easy to use it to water your lawn, your garden, or for any other backyard projects.