Spend This. Save That.

Neglecting routine maintenance is a sure-fire way to turn your home into a money pit. Here’s what you can expect to spend – and save – when you perform these five important home maintenance tasks.

• Change Furnace Filter

  $10 per month
  Dirty air filters are the most common cause of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system breakdowns. Replace your furnace filter every month to prolong the life of your HVAC system and prevent the need for costly repairs. Basic air filters cost about $5 to $10 a piece.

• Repair/Replace Furnace

  $130 – $6,000
  Neglecting to change your air filters can cause your HVAC system to overheat or break down entirely. Furnace repairs normally cost about $131 – $455. In the case of a breakdown, you’ll have to buy and install a new furnace for $2,512 – $6,056.

• Clean Gutters

  $154
  Have your gutters cleaned once a year to prevent devastating water damage to your home. Generally speaking, gutter cleaning is a completely DIY-able job. But, you can also save some time and effort and hire a pro for $105 – $203.

• Repair Foundation

  $3,987
  Clogged gutters can cause cracks to form in the foundation of your home, leading to mold growth and structural damage. Cracked foundation repairs cost anywhere from $1,856 – $6,333, with an average cost of $3,987.

• Clean Chimney

  $223
  Have your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year to ensure that burning is safe. Chimney cleaning removes dangerous buildup from your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber and damper. Most homeowners spend $124 – $327 to have their chimneys cleaned.

• Repair Fire and Smoke Damage

  $9,865
  Burning wood creates a combustible substance called creosote. Creosote buildup can cause chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks if left unattended. In the event of a chimney fire, expect to spend anywhere from $3,251 – $22,175 on repairs and cleaning.

• Repair Leaky Pipe

  $302
  Leaks can lead to mold, mildew, rot and other damage if left unaddressed. Periodically check all of your household’s toilets and under-sink cabinets for leaks or constant running. Also, inspect for drips and stains on the ceiling. Hire a plumber to immediately fix any leaks that you find. Most plumbers charge between $170 – $453 per hour.

• Repair Water Damage

  $2,458
  An unaddressed plumbing leak can lead to pricey repairs. A leaking pipe inside a wall or ceiling may cause rotting from the inside out. Other leaks, such as those under sinks, may cause significant damage to flooring and fixtures. Most homeowners pay between $1,045 – $3,875 to repair water damage.

• Inspect Roof

  $216
  A leaky roof – whether caused by weather, age or neglect — can result in significant, long-term damage to your home. Have a professional inspect your roof to ensure it’s in good shape. Professional roof inspections can range between $119 – $316.

• Repair/Replace Roof

  $650 – 6,577
  Missing shingles and bad flashing can leave your home vulnerable to leaks. Failure to regularly inspect your roof for these issues may lead to expensive repairs or a roof replacement. Most homeowners spend between $335 – $1,238 to repair their roof and $5,108 – $9,755 to replace their roof. Whether you need to repair or replace your roof will depend on the extent of the damage.