Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap.
In addition to protecting your home, many simple maintenance tasks are also good for your wallet.
Taking care of seemingly insignificant problems like drippy faucets can save you big money over the long run.
The following cost-saving home repairs are quick and easy to complete.
1. Replace worn-out caulking
Caulking that no longer keeps water at bay can lead to expensive repairs over time.
When water in sinks, bathtubs and showers penetrates walls, it’s only a matter of time before you have harmful mold and rot.
Re-caulking is an incredibly easy and inexpensive repair that will keep your walls and floors dry. Re-caulk every three to five years.
2. Touch up peeling paint
Wood exposed to the damaging effects of weather because of peeling paint can warp, split or rot, causing expensive repairs.
Paint protects wood from sun, insect and water damage, so it pays to touch up those areas that are peeling or chipping. Spot painting is fine when the peeling is limited to certain areas.
Use any saved paint, or take a 1-inch-square piece of peeling paint to the home supply or paint store and have them match the color and mix up a quart of paint.
3. Repair leaky faucets
Dripping faucets may seem to emit an insignificant amount of water, but you’d be surprised at how much money is flushing down your drains.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Water Science School, two faucets that drip 30 drips per minute cost you nearly 6 gallons of water a day and 2,083 gallons a year.
Stop the dripping by replacing faucet rubber seals and washers, which will only cost you a few dollars.
4. Unclog gutters and downspouts
When gutters and downspouts are clogged, water builds up, damaging your roof and compromising the interior of your home with the possibility of leaks.
At least twice a year, clean out the gutters and downspouts to allow water to flow off your roof and away from the foundation of your home.
5. Change out dirty HVAC filters
Your furnace and air-conditioner work most efficiently and last longer when their filters are kept clean. Changing heater and air-conditioner filters is usually a quick and easy home project.
Ensure that you breathe the freshest air possible by changing your filters every four to six months.
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