Follow these simple home maintenance tips and save big on costly home repairs.

1. Change your furnace or air conditioning filter at least every 12 weeks. A dirty filter can cause the furnace unit to use more energy and burn more fuel. This simple step is inexpensive and only takes about 5 minutes. In the long run it will increase the lifespan of your furnace and cut your heating costs.

2. Clean the lint screen on your dryer after every load. If the lint screen gets clogged, there will not be as much airflow and it will take longer to dry the clothes. It is also a good idea to gently wash the lint screen occasionally to make sure there is no lint build up in the screen holes.

3. Replace indoor and outdoor caulking. Check for cracked or loose caulking around doors and windows. These gaps decrease energy efficiency by letting in cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer. The caulking also weatherproofs your home from outside moisture and keeps out unwanted insects and pests.

4. Replace weather stripping. As with caulking, the weather stripping will close any gaps around the doors and cut heating and cooling costs.

5. Vacuum on a regular basis. Dirt particles that sink down into your carpet can damage the fibers. Regular vacuuming (at least once a week) removes these particles and increases the life of your carpet.

6. Clean outside gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to pour over them resulting in more water around the house foundation. This can lead to moisture and wetness in and around the basement area. The additional moisture can also cause mold and mildew problems on the house exterior. Regular gutter cleanings can eliminate any of these potential problems.

7. Turn off and drain outside plumbing valves in the winter. Outside faucets can freeze in the winter which could result in bursting pipes.

8. Clean the garbage disposal on a daily basis. Run hot, soapy water through the disposal every day to keep it fresh and clean. On occasion, a cut up lemon or lime can be ground up to remove odors. Once a year, grind some ice cubes to help to keep the blades sharpened.

9. Maintain the refrigerator twice a year. This is one maintenance task that is usually overlooked until there is a problem. First vacuum the metal coils. Check your refrigerator home manual for the recommended method for your model. Second, vacuum underneath the refrigerator. The dust that accumulates will eventually end up in the coils. Third, clean the rubber gasket around the door to remove dirt and mold. This will extend the life of the door seal. Fourth, clean the drip pan underneath the refrigerator to remove build up and odors.

10. Lubricate the garage door hardware. Clean tracks and rollers and reapply lubricant. This will be covered in the home manual for your particular model.