8 Purchases Under $100 to Help You Maintain Your Home

Good home maintenance can keep small issues from turning into big, expensive problems. These affordable home maintenance tools and items, all under $100, can help you stay ahead of major expenses.

While cheap home maintenance items can help, when it comes to how to maintain your home, that’s not all you should do. You also need to be sure your home and possessions have the insurance coverage you need. Talk to Farm Bureau to review your policy and make sure you’re protected. 

1. HVAC Filters

Price: $30 to $60

You may need to replace your HVAC filters every 30 to 60 days, depending on dust, pets and how often the system runs. When your filters are clogged, your system has to work harder. That raises your energy costs and can shorten the lifespan of your system.

2. Garage Door Lubricant

Price: $8 to $20

Use a silicone-based lubricant on the moving parts of your garage door every three months. Without good lubrication, your garage door opening system may wear out faster than it should.

3. Caulking for Wet Areas

Price: $8 to $25

Check the caulk around your sinks, tubs, showers and backsplashes and redo any areas where the caulk is cracking or breaking down. Otherwise, water can get into these areas and seep into walls and floors.

4. Weatherstripping

Price: $8 to $18

Good weatherstripping can cut hundreds of dollars from your heating and cooling bills. Check around outside doors and replace any weatherstripping that’s cracked or compressed.

5. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Price: $16 to $60

Along with checking the batteries twice a year, you should replace these monitors when they reach the end of their lifespan, which is usually 10 years. A fire could be damaging to your home and your health, and carbon monoxide can be deadly.

6. Garbage Disposal Cleaning

Price: $3 to $15

Periodically run ice cubes and a handful of coarse salt through your garbage disposal to reduce buildup, then grind a half of a lemon with the cold water running. Garbage disposal buildup can cause clogs and shorten the life of the disposal, plus it can harbor bacteria.

7. Water Softener Salt

Price: $5 to $45

If you have a water softener, be sure to check the salt level and top it off when it starts to get low. When your salt levels are too low, hard water runs through your pipes and appliances and deposits can build up.

8. Faucet and Showerhead Cleaning

Price: $1 to $5

Every three to four months, you should unscrew aerators and showerheads and soak them in white vinegar to get rid of mineral deposits. If you’re not getting as much water flowing through showerheads and faucets as you used to, it could be a buildup problem. Try cleaning before you call a plumber.

Beyond Maintenance: Making Sure Your Home Is Protected

You can take steps to minimize home maintenance issues, but you can’t prevent every possible problem. That’s why homeowners insurance is important. Reach out to a Farm Bureau agent to make sure you have the coverage you need.