Handymen say these 40 surprising mistakes are costing you money around your home

When it comes to window maintenance, Matusyan says, “A regimen of track cleaning, vigilant sealing—and periodic updates to hardware—is necessary.” So, reach for this window sill track cleaner that you’ll wonder how you lived without because it has four different removable sponge heads that perfectly fit into the crevices of window sills to quickly remove dirt and gunk. This game-changing kit also comes with a mini dustpan tool for cleaning exceptionally dusty and dirty window grooves.

Stevenson also encourages homeowners to “install smart bulbs or motion sensors for automatic lighting control.” These LED lights are a go-to because they’re easy to install with the included screws or seriously quick adhesive, and they turn on automatically when they notice movement within 10 feet. They also turn off after 30 seconds of no movement, so you’re not wasting lighting and energy when no one is around.

You probably already clean your dryer’s lint trap, but it’s a good idea to do a deeper cleaning occasionally because Katzer says, “this will prevent your dryer vent from clogging and causing a fire.” To make it a seriously quick process, grab this dryer vent cleaning tool that’s easy to use and attaches to almost any type of vacuum handle or hose. It comes with two types of hoses to get in even the tightest spaces and a little tool to guide it and find every tiny piece of stray lint. Plus, it works for other annoying dusting projects.

While it’s a simple upgrade, Katzer says a cover (like this water-resistant option) is essential for keeping debris out of the unit and extending its life. Simply slide it right on top of the unit to protect it from snow, storms, sunlight, and all kinds of debris. The adjustable drawstring hemline ensures that it’s secure (even on a windy day). It also comes with mesh vents and extra-durable handles to make it easier to put on.

You might forget to care for aging doors and windows, but Matusyan warns that it’s essential. He says, “These features—weathered by failing seals, groaning hinges, and intrusive drafts—are more than mere nuisances: they signal an urgent call for attention.” This door draft stopper is a clever way to seal out cold or hot air, moisture, dust, or even noise. The flexible material can be cut to fit the exact size of your door, and the strong 3M adhesive makes sure it stays put. It’s easy to pop on and can even stop anything that shouldn’t get inside (looking at you: bugs and dust).

These water sensors connect to Wi-Fi and can send emails, texts, and app alerts when they detect moisture, so you can monitor drips and leaks from anywhere. It also has a super loud alarm to let you know about a leak when you’re in the house (or even if your Wi-Fi goes out). Drew Mansur, the director of TileCloud, recommends placing a product like these sensors “near appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to get an early warning of leaks before they cause major damage.”

Mansur also says swapping out old caulk is seriously worth it because “it prevents water seepage and improves insulation, helping to avoid costly repairs later.” This handheld 3-in-1 caulk tool can help make the chore a little easier with its stainless-steel blade and a plastic scraper for removing old caulk. On the other end, you get a silicone triangle to smooth out fresh caulk without it sticking to your fingers (or needing a second tool).

Contractor Jamin Katzer recommends cleaning and sanitizing your washing machine filter regularly, and these effort-free cleaning tablets will take care of every inch of your washer. Pop on in about once per month, and they’ll remove odor-causing residue and grime, so you’ll never have to use more water to re-wash clothes that didn’t get clean enough. They work in both top and front-load washers, and one easy tablet refreshes everything, including the pipes, drum, and even the seal around the drum.

Katzer also recommends inspecting the edges and corners of your tub regularly for peeling caulk, and this waterproof silicone caulk is such an easy fix. The sealing formula is also mold- and mildew-resistant, so it will easily hold up in a humid bathroom or kitchen. Plus, it can get wet in as little as 30 minutes after applying, so there’s minimal interruption to your shower routine.

The elements can really beat up outside surfaces, but this waterproofing sealant works to protect brick, concrete, and even wood from water and UV damage. This easy-to-use spray-on waterproofer is especially helpful when it comes to protecting decks, which Katzer says you should seal yearly. He says, “this helps extend the life and prevents costly repairs.” It’s also completely transparent to still allow the natural texture and color of your outdoor space to shine through.

George Matusyan, the owner & operational manager of United Windows Pro, says, “Your home's windows and doors serve as the primary shield against harsh elements.” So, reliable insulation is a must, and this easy-to-use insulation kit only requires a pair of scissors and a hairdryer to add it to your windows. The roll of clear insulation can cover up to 10 windows (depending on their size). Plus, you can easily trim this stick-on insulation to fit.

Chris Stevenson, vice president of 730 South Exteriors, says, “Regular cleaning and tune-ups extend the life of your appliances and prevent costly breakdowns.” So grab these handy dishwasher-cleaning tablets that are basically zero-effort because you simply pop one in and run your usual cycle. They work to remove limescale and mineral build-up from dishwashers to help the machine run more efficiently. Plus, popping in one of these deep-cleaning tablets will even help tackle grease and descaling.

These smart light bulbs can be turned on and off via voice control and also connect to several smart home systems, such as Google and Amazon Alexa. Their features are obviously impressive, with brightness levels, 16 million different colors, and an option to sync them to your music. But the biggest benefit might be the timer feature. As Stevenson says, “Forgetting to turn off lights wastes energy,” but you can avoid that by setting schedules for these bulbs.

Stevenson also says, “A packed fridge hampers air circulation, reducing efficiency.” Instead, he says to “organize food for optimal airflow and avoid overcrowding.” That’s where these stackable, shatterproof fridge bins come in to quickly tidy up your food and drinks. This clear, easy-to-see pack comes with a variety of shapes and sizes, including a handy egg holder and drink dispenser. Meanwhile, the wide handles and reinforced bases make it easy to rearrange and move the bins.

Josh Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration LLC, suggests skipping the bleach if you seem to have recurring mold. “Mold isn’t likely going to be killed by bleach, and worse yet, if a colony exists, its there because of a reason that the bleach won’t address,” he says. “Typically, there is a leak somewhere that is causing a mold growth, and the homeowner is only preventing certified technicians from knowing the full scope of the issue.” This handy moisture meter measures wetness levels across different surfaces and has an easy-to-read screen to quickly check for any unwanted dampness. It also has an alarm to make it even easier to quickly identify any moisture issues. Simply slide this handheld gadget over your wall before reaching for bleach the next time you’re suspicious about mold.

Michael Branover, the owner of Branover Contractors Inc., says, “advising homeowners to regularly clean out their gutters prevents costly water damage,” and this lightweight gutter-cleaning wand makes the process way less intimidating. It quickly attaches to a garden hose and has a sweeper nozzle that rotates 180 degrees, so you can aim the water exactly where there are fallen leaves. The non-slip grip and telescoping handle that extends to 70 inches also make it surprisingly easy to reach tall, scary-to-clean gutters.

In addition to cleaning out your gutters regularly, Branover says that gutter guards, like this pack, “can be a proactive measure to save money on potential repairs.” These guards are impressively quick to your gutter with the included clips, while the rust-resistant design will keep them looking nice. Each one is on a 20-foot roll, but you can simply cut them with a pair of scissors to cover your gutters perfectly. This durable and protective webbing can also save you from cleaning out leaves (and even pests) from your cutters.

Jeff Palla, president of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, says, “Failing to address mold in the home can have significant consequences in terms of safety and financial impact for an owner.” This mold and mildew stain remover is pre-mixed and works quickly all over your house — even outside on your siding. This multi-surface spray tackles mold so quickly, and it can even handle mold and mildew stains that have been on your countertops, wood, and other surfaces for a long time.

Palla also notes, “Homeowners can take proactive steps to remove mold themselves like using dehumidifiers or scrubbing it with effective cleaning solutions. But for more extensive mold issues, it’s best to leave it up to the professionals who can make sure all the mold is removed and prevent its reoccurrence.”

If you want to improve your space, it’s tempting to go all in, but it might be smarter to choose a confidence booster like these easy-to-install stick-on LED lights. Palla recommends that homeowners take on “smaller, manageable DIY tasks first before moving onto bigger renovations to help build their skillset.” They come with easy-to-use screws or adhesive (instead of intimidating wiring), making them the ideal under-cabinet lighting project for beginners. They can also be controlled with a remote, or you can simply tap them on and off. They use AA batteries (not included) and can run for up to 100 hours before needing replacements.

Palla also says, “A common mistake we see with owners is neglecting regular home maintenance. Overlooking tasks like cleaning gutters, replacing furnace filters, etc. can lead to major breakdowns and costly repairs.” Keep track of your all-important home upkeep tasks with these three magnetic calendars that have places for daily, weekly, and monthly house routines. The set comes with six bright markers and an eraser, which are also magnetic. Basically — you’ll have plenty of spots to write down all the plumber appointments and floor-mopping reminders you need to keep your home in top shape.

Josh Mitchell, a plumbing expert and the owner of plumbinglab.com, says that the frequent use of harsh chemicals “can corrode and weaken your pipes” and instead recommends grabbing a mechanical drain cleaner like this easy-to-use pack. This budget-friendly clog remover set can get the job done efficiently with five gadgets with grippy teeth to easily pull out any grime. You also get an ultra-durable stainless steel de-clogger (in case you run into a super tough job). You also know they’re worth it because Mitchell calls mechanical removers “a wise investment for pipe health.”

Mitchell also says, “Unprotected pipes in cold climates are prone to freezing and bursting,” and suggests grabbing some insulation, like this quick-to-apply option. This clever pipe insulation has pre-cut slits, so you can completely avoid pulling out scissors or other tools. Easily seal it with zip ties, and you’re all set. Plus, you can use it on hot or cold pipes, and this insulation can even stop any unwanted condensation on cold water pipes.

Michell also says, “Many underestimate a dripping faucet, but even a slow drip can significantly waste water and increase your bill.” Instead, he calls grabbing fresh O-rings, like this pack, “a simple fix that can save you a lot in the long run.” This O-ring kit makes it easy to always have the correct size on hand because it comes with 1,200 pieces and 24 sizes, so you’ll have a budget-friendly option to fix any sink. Each of these stretchy and easy-to-put-on rings is also wear- and corrosion-resistant to keep your faucet drip-free for a long time. You also get four stainless steel hooks to help you out.

Max Veggeberg, CEO of Tetra, a home services company, advises homeowners to clean their AC and heating units to remove pollen and dust. He says, “failure to do so can result in poorer airflow leading to higher heating and cooling bills and faster wear on your system.” This spray-on air conditioner spray is a super low-effort way to clean off all kinds of dirt and gunk from your AC coils. It helps out with any gross odors in your AC, and this easy-to-use spray also has a self-rinsing design to speed up the process.

Jordan Woolf, Owner of Huntsville Roofing Solutions, warns, “Overgrown vegetation can harbor pests, damage siding, and clog gutters.” Instead, keep a landscaping kit, like this one with 12 handy tools, around to easily keep all kinds of landscaping and greenery contained. You get flower tools, shovels, and plenty of tools to prune greenery that’s getting a little out of hand. Each one has an ergonomic handle, and the stainless-steel heads on the pruners and shears are durable enough for every landscaping chore.

Woolf also warns against unused appliances and instead suggests grabbing a power strip with on/off switches. This smart power strip takes it one step further because it comes with power buttons or an app to control each device you have plugged in. You can even turn off power to an appliance with voice control using Google Assistant or Alexa. It also lets you set up schedules for appliances, and it’s all topped off with two handy USB ports on the end.

Shlomo Cherniak, owner of Cherniak Handyman Services, cautions against overlooking insulation since it can result in “higher energy bills.” This stick-on weather-sealing tape is a seriously easy way to add insulation around windows and doors, and the transparent design will blend right in. This flexible tape easily conforms to angles and curves, creating a tight seal and blocking outside air. Each box comes with 10 yards of tape, and you only need measuring tape and a pair of scissors to add this easy insulation.

Cherniak also says, “Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to issues like mold growth, pest infestations, and deterioration of surfaces, potentially requiring expensive cleaning or repairs.” When you need to deep clean, this electric spinning scrubber brush can make it way less annoying. It comes with three interchangeable heads, including sponges, cleaning clothes, and even has an extendable handle. You can extend the handle to reach tricky areas, like shower tiles, and scrub around the house for up to 90 minutes on a single charge.

Kathleen Kuhn, an executive in the home inspection industry for over 30 years and advisor for Energy Raven, says, “Set it and forget it doesn’t work for thermostats and doing so can contribute to higher energy bills.” So, grab this programmable thermostat to easily set up your home’s temperature based on their unique schedule. It has an easy DIY install if you want to set it up on your own. Plus, you can customize the temperature for when you wake up, leave, come back home, and go to bed to maximize energy savings (and make it comfier in the house).

Kuhn also says, “Homeowners often overlook routine maintenance on HVAC systems which include changing filters, and checking for leaks and other conditions.” So, keep this bulk pack of air filters around so you always have a clean one to swap in. They trap dust and lint particles, and you can even scan them with the included app to quickly set up reminders for when it’s time to change them out.

Unless you specifically buy an energy-efficient model, it can be hard to know just how efficient your appliances are. This electricity usage monitor plug will help you gauge how much money you could be saving by swapping in energy-efficient appliances — making it that much easier to justify the investment. Cherniak’s advice for saving money around the house? “Investing in energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and smart thermostats can lead to long-term savings on utility bills,” Cherniak says.

In keeping with Cherniak’s earlier advice, swapping to LEDs can make a huge difference. This six-pack of LED bulbs has everything you need to get started. Choose from a range of light options — daylight, warm white, cool white, or soft white — and pick the wattage you need. These light bulbs can last up to 13 years if you use them three hours a day.

Along with many of the experts consulted for this piece, Cherniak recommends a smart thermostat. While there are tons of thermostats on the market, few are as easily integrated to your existing smart devices as the Amazon smart thermostat. Easily connect it with you Alexa-enabled devices to change the temperature of the room with your voice. You can adjust your temperature settings within the Alexa app.

Air can easily get in between the cracks of windows and doors, especially if you have an old home. Cherniak says, “Taking on simple DIY projects like weather-stripping windows, insulating pipes, and installing low-flow fixtures can also contribute to cost savings.” And even if you’re not handy, this weather-stripping couldn’t be easier to install. Simply cut it to size and peel the protective strip off the back to reveal the strong adhesive that’ll hold it in place in any door or window frame.

Cherniak also advises swapping in low-flow fixtures in your bathrooms and kitchens. This low-flow showerhead makes for a great swap, and has a 1.5-gallons-per-minute flow rate. One reviewer says, “I purchased the 1.5 GPM Shower Head, and it felt so good that I was skeptical that it was actually limiting the water flow as advertised. So I measured it and was pleasantly surprised!”

Andrew Wilson, owner of Tulsa Concrete Contractors, says, "One mistake is overlooking regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and inspecting for leaks." While bringing in professionals for regular maintenance of your home system is important, there is some maintenance you can do yourself. Cleaning your gutters using a gutter cleaning tool like this one is an easy way to ensure that your roof stays healthy, and that your gutters don’t get damaged by sudden storms.

Always inspect for leaks and reach out to the professionals that you need to fix them as soon as possible. But, in the interim it can be a good idea to have these water-absorbing mats on hand. Put a few of these down preventatively in places where you might have a pipe leak, or whip them out to help absorb water during an emergency. With leaks, acting fast can save you so much money in the long run.

Wilson also says, "To save money, I recommend learning basic DIY skills and tackling smaller projects yourself." Half of the difficulty of DIY projects is finding the right tools. This multi-tool hammer is a great one-stop shop to have in your closet or drawer. It has so many tools built into its design, from a hammer to pliers to a serrated knife to a Phillips head screwdriver.

Neglecting your HVAC can have expensive consequences. Chris Purvis, owner of Concrete Contractor Austin, says, "One common mistake homeowners make is neglecting regular maintenance, leading to costly repairs down the line. I always advise clients to stay on top of maintenance tasks like fixing leaks promptly and keeping up with HVAC filter changes.” While you should always check your specific HVAC before investing in the right filter, this four-pack has glowing reviews from Amazon users. One reviewer says, “These were recommended to me any my maintenance company. So far — so good.”

Finding a permanent fix to a leak quickly is always the best solution. But it’s also important to triage your pipes as quickly as possible if there is leaking water. This waterproof tape is perfect for emergencies, and is designed to go over leaky pipes to prevent water damage. There are so many reviewers who testify to how much money they saved in damage and in plumbing costs.