10 things you can fix for under $100 that’ll pay off every year

Some fixes don’t take much time or money—but they save you from bigger bills year after year. The key is knowing which small problems turn expensive if ignored. Spending under $100 on certain repairs can protect your home, lower your utilities, and save you hundreds in the long run.

These are the quick fixes that quietly pay for themselves every single year, keeping your house in better shape and your wallet a little fuller.

Resealing Windows and Doors

If you can feel a draft, you’re losing money—literally. Air leaks around windows and doors force your heating and cooling system to work harder, driving up your energy bill every month.

A few rolls of weatherstripping or a tube of caulk cost under $20 and can make a noticeable difference in comfort and efficiency. Do a quick check for light or air coming through the edges and seal them up before the next season hits.

Replacing Faucet Aerators

Clogged or inefficient aerators waste water and make your fixtures feel weaker. Swapping them for low-flow aerators keeps the same water pressure while cutting gallons off your monthly usage.

They’re easy to install—no plumber needed—and typically cost under $10 each. Multiply that savings across every faucet in your house, and you’ll see the difference on your water bill by the end of the year.

Flushing Your Water Heater

Sediment builds up in the bottom of your water heater over time, making it less efficient and shortening its lifespan. Flushing it once a year helps it heat faster and use less energy.

All you need is a garden hose and a bucket. It’s a free maintenance task that can prevent repairs costing hundreds. If you’ve never done it before, check the manufacturer’s instructions—most recommend a yearly flush.

Replacing HVAC Filters

Dirty filters make your HVAC system work harder, using more power and wearing down the blower motor faster. Swapping filters regularly improves airflow and lowers your energy costs.

A new filter costs around $15, and replacing it every couple of months can prevent a $500 repair down the road. Set a reminder in your phone, especially before each season change when your system gets the most use.

Tightening Leaky Faucets

That slow drip might not seem like much, but it adds up to gallons of wasted water—and a higher bill—every single month. Usually, the fix is as easy as replacing a worn washer or O-ring.

Most faucet repair kits cost under $20, and you can do it yourself with a basic wrench. Beyond the savings, it also helps prevent long-term corrosion or water stains around your sink.

Cleaning Refrigerator Coils

When dust and grime collect on the coils behind your fridge, the compressor has to work harder to keep things cold. That means higher electric bills and a shorter appliance life.

You can buy a coil brush for under $10 and get it done in ten minutes. Clean them every six months, and your fridge will run more efficiently and last years longer.

Sealing Small Foundation Cracks

Tiny cracks in your foundation or concrete driveway might not seem serious, but they can let in moisture that causes bigger structural problems over time.

A tube of concrete sealant or epoxy is under $15, and applying it now can prevent much more expensive repairs later. It’s one of those “spend a little, save a lot” projects that every homeowner should stay ahead of.

Replacing Toilet Flappers

A worn or misaligned toilet flapper lets water leak constantly from the tank into the bowl, wasting hundreds of gallons a month. It’s a small part with a big impact on your water bill.

You can replace it in under ten minutes, and most flappers cost under $10. If your toilet occasionally runs when no one’s using it, that’s the first sign it’s time for a new one.

Patching Small Roof Leaks

Even a tiny roof leak can lead to mold, ceiling damage, and insulation problems. If you catch it early, you can patch it yourself with roofing sealant or repair tape for under $50.

Do a visual check after heavy rain or wind, especially around vents and flashing. Fixing small leaks now can save you thousands compared to replacing damaged drywall or insulation later.

Re-Caulking the Tub and Shower

Cracked caulk lets water sneak into the walls, causing rot and mold that are expensive to fix. Re-caulking keeps moisture where it belongs and makes the bathroom look cleaner, too.

A tube of bathroom-grade silicone caulk runs under $10, and the whole project takes about an hour. It’s a small job that protects one of the most expensive rooms in your house to repair.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.