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Christina Wood

YOU WONT BELIEVE: 40 expensive everyday problems that can actually be fixed for under 35 - You Need To See This

Finding a handyman to do small chores in your home is one of the hardest tasks you will face as you try to maintain your home. But you can’t ignore what your home needs until you find one. So we tapped hard-working handymen, electricians, plumbers, and remodelers to share their smartest home upgrades that you can make under $35. Keep scrolling — expert-backed upgrades are below.

Install peel-&-stick baseboard trim to dress up any room

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COUKIU Flexible Baseboard Molding Trim

Andy Roe, the CEO of Roe Paint, offers adding trim molding as a suggestion for a quick and easy home upgrade. He says they “dress up a room and hide imperfections.” This peel-and-stick baseboard trim is self-adhesive and comes in a creamy white that will update any room. The flexible strip is 16.4 feet long and can be trimmed to fit. It comes in a few finishes and lengths in the listing.

Reduce noise with an air conditioner drip cushion

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LFUTARI Air Conditioner Drip Cushion

“If you have outdoor air conditioner units installed near your windows and always get annoyed by the noise of dripping water when it’s raining, install a drip cushion on the top of the unit,” says Glenn Gault, CEO of Gault Heating & Cooling.

This high-density foam drip cushion muffles the sound of raindrops so you can actually enjoy a quiet moment inside. It has a magnetic backing that keeps it securely in place on your AC unit, even during windy storms, and it’s easy to cut down to size if needed.

Cover your AC compressor to prevent clogs or damage

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MODERN WAVE Central Air Conditioner Cover

Speaking of AC upgrades, if your system includes an outdoor compressor, make sure you protect it with this air conditioner cover. It keeps leaves, bugs, squirrels, and other items from getting caught in the unit so you don’t have to pay to have it serviced because a squirrel got the bright idea to store some snacks in there.

Use textured peel-&-stick tiles to refresh worn, old floors

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FloorPops Peel-and-Stick Tiles (10-Pack)

“I recommend [these adhesive tiles] for homes with really old concrete or wooden floor that's looking a bit drab,” says Tyler Hull, owner and general manager of Modern Exterior. They allow you to make a quick and cheap upgrade that’ll make a huge difference in your home.

These peel-and-stick tiles have a textured finish that mimics real tile, so your floors will look freshly renovated without the mess or expense. They’re also water-resistant and easy to wipe down, making them a smart pick for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Fill in gaps that let air escape from your home with an adhesive draft strip

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MOPMS Draft Stopper Strip

“Improving insulation around your HVAC system and sealing any leaks in ducts or around windows and doors can enhance system efficiency and comfort,” says Jennifer Green, handyman and HVAC specialist at Texas Central Air Houston, TX. “Better insulation keeps conditioned air inside and reduces the workload on your unit.” This adhesive draft stopper is easy to install for a variety of doors and windows. And it comes in your choice of three colors for a subtle fix.

Protect your space from drafts & energy loss

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GroTheory Under-Door Draft Stopper & Noise Reducer (2-Pack)

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If there are gaps under your doors impacting energy efficiency, use this under-door draft stopper to put an end to that wasteful leak of air conditioning and heat. It will keep bugs and dirt out, too. Cut it to fit and stick it to the door in seconds. It comes in four colors and sizes.

Add motion-sensing lights to cabinets & closets

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EZVALO Under Cabinet Lights (2-Pack)

"Using LED under-cabinet lighting is a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to the home to illuminate the kitchen countertops or workspace,” suggests Matt DiBara, CEO of The Contractor Consultants and CEO of DiBara Masonry. Stick these wireless motion sensor LED lights to stair risers, inside closets, to the underside of shelves, and under your kitchen cabinets to illuminate counter workspaces. “It improves functionality as well as ambiance,” he adds.

Brighten dark areas with versatile LED puck lights

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Brilliant Evolution LED Lights (6-Pack)

This six-pack of LED lights makes it so easy to create pools of light precisely where you need them. They peel and stick to any surface, turn on with a tap, can be controlled all at once with a remote, and allow you to set a duration for them to stay on and then turn off automatically. They come with batteries, adhesive mounts, and screws.

Help reduce energy costs with heat-reflective window film

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Haton Heat-Reflective Window Privacy Film

Alex Johnson, Maintenance Contractor at Man and Van Star, suggests adding heat-reflective film to your windows. Johnson says, “Applied to windows, heat-reflective film reduces solar heat gain during summer and retains heat in winter, reducing cooling and heating costs respectively.”

This heat-reflective film is easy to apply. Start with clean windows, trim the film to size, and remove the backing. Then spray both the film and the window with water and lay it down. Use a squeegee to remove any remaining bubbles.

Add motion-sensing LED lighting to your walls

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LANDGOO LED Motion-Sensing Night-Lights (2-Pack)

More than one handyman recommended upgrading to LED lighting. These wall-mountable night-lights are a smart way to implement that advice. Not only do they feature LED bulbs, but they can be removed from their perch on your wall and carried with you when you need to bring one with you. This set of two comes in a medium brown wood, but there are a few different color options you can choose from. These are powered by batteries, which are included.

Fill gaps in doors, windows, & tile with this silicone sealant

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Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal Silicone Sealant

“Filling gaps around windows, doors, and other openings prevents air leaks and drafts,” says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing. This silicone caulk is designed to seal out water and drafts around door and window frames, though it’s also just as effective for tile, plumbing, counters, and more. It takes only 30 minutes to dry and lasts for a long time, even in wet environments.

Repair holes in your window screens to keep pests out

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by.RHO Window Screen Repair Tape

Inspired by Riutta’s advice, instead of ignoring small holes and tears in your window screens, use this mesh repair tape to keep unwanted outdoor elements — like bugs — from getting inside. Available in three dimensions, it comes in a convenient roll and can be cut to size as needed. It requires no tools or heat to set it, so you can fix your screen in just seconds.

Add storage with a clever mounted folding table

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Furinno Hermite Wall Mounting Folding Table

An out-of-the-box idea that Jason Best, the owner of Best Plumbing Services and SewerRepairs.com has for making the most of your space is adding a wall-mounted folding table to a kitchen or bathroom. “They fold up and out of the way when not in use but provide extra counter space when needed,” he says. This highly rated model comes in several colors and can hold up to 50 pounds.

Install outlets with built-in USB ports

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TOPGREENER USB Outlet (2-Pack)

"Ditch charging blocks by upgrading your home's electrical outlets to ones that allow for the insert of both USB-A and USB-C charging cables,” says Thomas Borcherding, home remodeler and designer with Homestar. This USB outlet will make your electrical outlets ready for now and for the future by replacing your old plugs with two standard plugs, two USB ports, and one USB-C plug.

“Working with electrical is always dangerous,” he says. “But it's nothing that a dedicated homeowner can't accomplish by themselves. Be sure to flip the correct circuit breaker, and to test your outlet for electrical current prior to working on your home's electrical." Consult with your electrician to accomplish this swap, if you feel this is above your skill level.

Plug in this easy outlet extender for USB access

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Lvetek Outlet Extender

Another less labor-intensive way to implement Borcherding’s advice is with an outlet extender that plugs into your existing standard outlet. It secures with a single screw in the center and requires no electrical work. It turns one outlet into five standard plugs, three USB ports, and one USB-C plug. It comes in black and white.

Freshen up grout with a simple paint pen

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Rainbow Chalk Markers Ltd Grout Pen

"An easy upgrade that makes a remarkable difference is for you to paint your grout lines using a grout colorant,” says Thomas Borcherding, home remodeler and designer with Homestar. These chalk markers, for instance, are easy to work with and not messy. Simply color over the old, dirty grout for a fast refresh. “You can revitalize any room featuring tile,” he says.

Scrub your grout clean to rejuvenate tile

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Rubbermaid Power Scrubber

This power scrubber is another way to get grout clean fast. It spins quickly so you don’t have to use all that elbow grease. Plus, once you have it in your hand, you will use it for everything from the grout to the faucets to the fiddly grimy bits on the stove.

Use cabinet bumpers to reduce damage & noise

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Vellax Cabinet Door Bumpers (128-Pack)

“Adhesive-backed pads [...] are [an] easy, inexpensive solution to reduce noise and prevent damage,” explains Jason Best, the owner of Best Plumbing Services and SewerRepairs.com.

This 128-pack of clear silicone cabinet bumpers is a simple way to quiet slamming cabinet doors and protect surfaces from scratches without drawing attention. They’re easy to stick onto drawers, doors, and even vases, with a strong adhesive that works on glass, wood, and metal.

Refresh kitchen cabinets with 1-step paint

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Country Chic Paint

"A kitchen cabinet refresh is yet another easy DIY project,” says Niall Lynchehaun, owner and director of Midland Stone. “After all, you don't always need a full kitchen remodel — a budget-friendly approach to this issue would be to just repaint or refinish your kitchen cabinets." It’s easy to do with this Country Chic paint that comes in so many colors. It has the primer and top coat built in so all you have to do is get out a brush and start painting. And the chalk finish is super forgiving.

Touch up scuffs or scratches with paint pens

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Slobproof Refillable Paint Pens (5-Pack)

If you keep some of the paint you used to cover your cabinets, walls, or trim in these brush pens, painting over any scratches, dings, or chips is so easy you can do it at the first sign of wear or damage. They fill like a syringe and keep the paint fresh for years. Just pull one out and paint over the problem area in seconds.

Revive wood surfaces that have seen better days

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Therapy Furniture Polish & Wood Cleaner Kit 16 oz. Cabinet and Table Restorer

Inspired by Lynchehaun’s advice, to give fresh shine or TLC to old or unpainted wood cabinets, counters, and floors, this versatile wood restoring polish may be all you need. Wipe it over dry, faded, scuffed, and tired wood and watch as that same wood starts to shine anew. It cleans stains and dirt and feeds the wood with a deep drink of mineral oil, and it smells like almonds to boot.

Instantly update cabinets with eye-catching knobs

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Redeam Flower Brass Cabinet Knobs (4 Pieces)

Once you refresh your cabinet finish, “pair this with updated hardware, such as modern handles or knobs, for a fresh look,” says Niall Lynchehaun, owner and director of Midland Stone. Made from solid brass, these cabinet knobs bring a modern look to these highly visible touch points, thanks to the ribbed details and simple silhouette. “I've seen homeowners achieve a remarkable transformation with this simple update,” he says.

Fix & protect against damage with this fast-drying grout kit

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PentaUSA Tile Grout Repair Kit

Project supervisor at ASAP Restoration LLC, Paige Warrington, recommends this grout repair kit. She says it can “not only make the space look new again, but it can also go a long way in protecting these spots from water damage, mold, and other disasters.”

This premixed formula squeezes out like caulk but dries into real sanded grout, making it easy to refresh the look of your bathroom or kitchen without a full reno. It’s fast-drying, water-resistant, and designed to help protect grout lines from stains and grime, giving your space a clean, just-tiled look with minimal effort.

Replace outdated faucets with a contemporary option

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ryuwanku Waterfall Faucet

“For most people it's easy enough to swap out outdated faucets, [shower heads] and even toilets for newer, more efficient models,” says Destry Thompson, general manager of John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. This bathroom faucet boasts clean, minimalist lines, with a waterfall flow that almost looks magic. Made of high-quality stainless steel, it’s available in two heights and comes with a matching drain stopper.

Declutter & organize with stackable storage baskets

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SNSLXH Stackable Closet Storage Baskets (5-Pack)

"Invest in storage containers, hooks, or shelving systems to assist in decluttering and organizing the space,” suggests Matt DiBara, CEO of The Contractor Consultants and CEO of DiBara Masonry. “This might make the home appear larger and more functional,” he says.

Designed to stack in layers and fold flat when not in use, this modular storage system is especially helpful for decluttering small spaces or holding seasonal items. These bins are made from durable, waterproof plastic and while they don’t pull out fully like traditional drawers, placing them against a wall can help create a more stable, drawer-like setup.

Stick adhesive hooks on your walls to get things off the floor

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HomeDo Adhesive Wall Hooks (4-Pack)

In keeping with DiBara’s advice to add hooks, these simple and stylish adhesive wall hooks will get clutter off the counters and couches, too. You can peel-and-stick them to an entryway, bathroom, child’s room, or the back of a door so you have a spot to hang a bathrobe, towel, or hat exactly where you want to set those things down. This is a four-pack.

Install motion-sensor light switches to conserve energy

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Lutron Maestro Motion Sensor Switch

Tommy Mello, the Founder of A1 Garage Door Service, comments, “Adding motion-sensor light switches in key areas like hallways and bathrooms is both a safety and energy-saving upgrade.” This programmable switch learns your preferred light level over time so your lights will stay off if it’s as bright as you’d like it. You can also choose several different timers for how long it stays on once activated.

Add outdoor spotlights to brighten your space

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URAGO Solar Pathway Lights (10-Pack)

“Outdoor lighting is often neglected but transforms spaces,” says Destry Thompson, general manager of John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. “Installing path lighting, spotlights and lanterns improves security, extends enjoyment into evening and adds visual appeal.”

These solar-powered spot lights are a low maintenance way to brighten things up in your outdoor space. They come in your choice of cool white and warm white. The bases feature stakes that make for easy installation, and you’ll enjoy up to 12 hours of illumination after a full solar charge.

Upgrade outdoor lighting with easy solar lanterns

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WdtPro Waterproof Outdoor Solar Lanterns (2-Pack)

You may have a home that you plan to sell eventually; in that case, it can be worthwhile to make improvements with the future in mind. “I've found that homes with upgraded outdoor lighting attract significantly higher selling prices,” Destry Thompson, general manager of John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning advises. “It's an easy, low-maintenance upgrade that pays off.”

These elegant outdoor lanterns are solar-powered for ease, and they can be hung on the exterior of your home or around a porch for added light. You can also sit them on a tabletop or in other spots that could use more light.

Install this gutter guard to help prevent clogs

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Frost King Gutter Guard (6-Pack)

Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, says that, when it comes to your roof, “Regular maintenance is crucial.” Start by addressing the gutters. Install this gutter guard to keep leaves, pine cones, squirrels, and other acts of nature from clogging them up. “A clogged gutter can lead to water damage requiring roof repairs,” he says. “Addressing minor issues promptly prevents them from snowballing into expensive problems.”

Replace the weatherstripping under your garage door

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Jin&Bao Garage Door Weather Seal Stripping

"Replace weatherstripping at the bottom of garage doors,” says Thomas Borcherding, home remodeler and designer with Homestar. “Unknown to most homeowners [there] is a track at the bottom of garage doors that features a removable weather stripping. These get worn out over time and can allow not only air infiltration but also rodents and insects into your home. Simply slide the weatherstripping out of its track, and insert a new one for better home insulation and protection against pests!”

This weatherstripping kit is easy to use and comes in several different lengths to match any garage door length.

Put silicone protectors where you might damage your wall or furniture

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Ducki Wall Protectors (4-Pack)

Andrii Gurskyi, CEO of Window Repair NYC and Mr. Glazier, recommends you opt for silicone backing for anywhere you might damage your wall or your furniture. He says, “These backings protect surfaces and add convenience. So you don't have to worry about the condition of your furniture!” These adhesive silicone wall protectors are easy to apply behind doors, behind couches, or even on your fridge to prevent damage. This is a pack of four.

Use a smart outlet extender to control appliances via phone

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GHome Smart Plug Outlet Extender

Smart plugs come highly recommended by many of the handymen who shared advice for this list. Andriy Boyko, founder of A.O. Handy Inc., puts it simply, “Smart plugs offer the convenience of remotely controlling and scheduling electronic devices, helping to reduce unnecessary power consumption.”

This smart outlet extender turns a standard outlet into six outlets, three normal plugs and three smart plugs controllable via the associated app — there are even three USB ports on the top you can group control. Schedule timers to make the plugs turn off, or power them on and off remotely. The options abound.

Control outdoor lights with your voice or phone app

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BN-LINK Smart Outdoor Outlet

Per Boyko’s advice, smart power strips don’t just level up the inside of your house. This one connects to outdoor outlets and is weatherproof, so you can use it year-round. It turns one outlet into three outlets, all controllable via an app or via your smart home devices from the inside of your house. No more going outside to turn off your string lights when you’re comfy on the couch.

Upgrade to a soft-close toilet seat for comfort & aesthetics

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Kohler Soft-Close Toilet Seat

Bethany Uribe, a mitigation division supervisor at ASAP Restoration LLC, comments, “A solid, hard, and thick toilet seat with soft closing capabilities is an easy upgrade that doesn’t take much time, and adds a lot of convenience.”

This fan-favorite Kohler toilet seat is available in elongated and round shapes, with two color options to match your bathroom. It features a soft-close lid that prevents slamming, and quick-attach hardware for easy installation. The sturdy build and grip-tight bumpers help keep it in place, adding comfort and stability without fuss.

Clear your gutters to prevent future damage

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TrueYee Gutter Brush With Adjustable Pole

“Regular cleaning of gutters, servicing HVAC systems, and checking for signs of wear and tear can prevent costly replacements down the line,” says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing. This is all easier if you have the right tools. This extendable gutter brush, for example, makes getting debris out of your gutters so much easier — and you don’t even have to get on a ladder to use it. It has a 10.5-foot pole with an angle-adjustable head to get in all the nooks and crannies.

Put weatherstripping in your door & window frames

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CIKKIO Weatherstrip

"Carpenters and construction workers emphasize the importance of energy efficiency,” explains Matt DiBara, CEO of The Contractor Consultants and CEO of DiBara Masonry. “Upgrading weather stripping and installing door seals is a low-cost technique to boost insulation and reduce energy costs." It’s so simple to do, too: Peel and stick this weatherstrip tape to the inside of the door and window frames.

Improve your bathroom with a high-pressure showerhead

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JDO High Pressure Showerhead

Bethany Uribe, a mitigation division supervisor at ASAP Restoration LLC, suggests replacing showerheads that are an eyesore and “not producing the same flow that they once were.”

This highly rated high-pressure showerhead installs in just a minute without tools and offers a luxe, spa-like downpour while actually conserving water to help lower your bill. It features 54 anti-clog jets to keep water flowing strong, and the rustproof design helps it stay looking sleek for the long run.

Seal windows & doors to prevent AC & heat from escaping

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XFasten Transparent Window Weather Sealing Tape

"Seal air leaks around windows and doors,” says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing. This will prevent heat and air conditioning from escaping and save money on your energy bill. It will also keep insects and vermin out of your interior spaces. This transparent weather-sealing tape is a unique and subtle option — and all you need to accomplish this. Tape over gaps and drafts with it. It is hardly noticeable visually but will make your home much more comfortable.

Lay caulk down around sinks, tubs, & countertops

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Bates Caulking Tool Gun

Andriy Boyko, founder of A.O. Handy Inc., concurs and also recommends you pay attention to the gaps in your home. “Seals gaps around sinks, tubs, and countertops for a clean, finished look and prevents moisture damage,” Boyko advises. This caulking tool makes it easy to apply caulk evenly and without straining yourself. Add a silicone, mold-resistant caulk inside the body and easily squeeze the trigger. The caulk will come out evenly to seal gaps wherever you need.

Even out the caulk you apply with this easy-to-use tool

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ALLWAY CT31 3-in-1 Caulk Tool

This double-sided caulking tool is so genius. One side has a scraper that allows you to remove old, gross caulk from around your sinks and tubs. The other side makes it easy to smooth out the new caulk that you apply. This easy-to-use tool makes it simple to implement Boyko’s advice.

Tidy your closet with clever vertical hangers

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Miles Kimball Space-Saving Hangers (4-Pack)

Inspired by the advice of Matt DiBara, CEO of The Contractor Consultants and CEO of DiBara Masonry, who recommends decluttering and enhancing organization, these space-saving hangers are designed to streamline your rig and increase the carrying capacity of your closet. Each one holds five hangers. This takes advantage of vertical space while freeing up some horizontal room. This is a four-pack so it will open up quite a bit of space.

Create streamlined storage with hanging closet shelves

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Zober 5 Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer

Matt DiBara, CEO of The Contractor Consultants and CEO of DiBara Masonry, advocates tapping clever storage solutions to organize your space. These hanging closet organizers, for example, put shelves in your closet to make it easier to put away sweaters and items that don’t hang.

Insulate your attic door

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DGSL Attic Stairway Insulation Cover

Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing, suggests that attic space might be costing you money. “Weatherize your attic to reduce heating and cooling costs,” he says. This attic stairway insulation cover is a great way to stop your money from escaping through that pull-down staircase that leads to your attic. Staple it to the doorframe and it creates an insulating barrier.

Put a leak sensor near pipes & water heaters

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Govee Wi-Fi Water Sensor

One leaky faucet can cause enormous damage if it is allowed to keep leaking. "Leaking faucets, dripping pipes, or minor roof issues should be addressed promptly,” says Josh Riutta, owner of Mikku and Sons Roofing. “Ignoring them can lead to significant water damage and expensive repairs later." You can’t fix what you don’t know about, though.

So install this water sensor anywhere there is a water source you don’t look at often. Put one under the sink, below the water heater, or anywhere a leak might go unnoticed — especially if you plan to travel. It will alert you, via your phone, if there is water where it shouldn’t be.

Install energy-efficient LED light bulbs with voice & app controls

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Govee Smart LED Bulb

“Swap your incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. They last longer and use less energy, saving you money on electricity bills,” says Andriy Boyko, founder of A.O. Handy Inc. LED lights are a popular home upgrade, and this LED smart light bulb is the total package. Not only is it energy-conserving, but it can also be controlled via an app or via your smart home devices. But the best part? You can customize the lighting to any of 16 million color options on the RGBW spectrum. It’s no wonder it’s so popular.

Add LED closet lighting that’s smartly designed

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Joyzy Motion-Sensing LED Closet Light

Per Boyko’s advice to add LED lighting to your home, this LED closet light is genius. It turns on when it senses motion, so you’ll never open your closet door or pantry and struggle to see what’s inside. The design of this light actually points the harsh lighting away from your eyes when it turns on. It also mounts via small magnets that you adhere to the top of your closet, so you can easily remove the light whenever you need to charge it. It recharges via USB.

Utilize cable holders to keep messy cords organized

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PZOZ Cable Holders (6-Pack)

Andrii Gurskyi, CEO of Window Repair NYC and Mr. Glazier, recommends cable holders for all of your cords. He says, “These little lifesavers help you organize cables for your phones and other devices, and quickly find the right one to charge something.” These small cord holders are perfect for adhering to the side of your desk or in any area of your house that has a lot of cables in the mix. You can run cords through them, keeping them organized and the space safer and free from any messy tangled cables.

Stick large cord-holding strips wherever you need

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INCHOR Cable Holder Wire Organizer

One more option in accordance with Gurskyi’s advice? This larger cord-holding strip that can be stuck anywhere. This option is especially low profile and makes it easy to stick cords in whichever slot is available, and to remove them quickly when you need them. This cord organizer has space for five different cords — one for each of your devices.

DIY minor repairs around your house with a tool kit

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CARTMAN Tool Set (39 Pieces)

"Another tip is to DIY simple projects like painting or minor repairs instead of hiring professionals,” says Ryan Vaughn, owner of SD Epoxy Floors. So many household tasks are simple to execute with a few inexpensive tools and a YouTube video. This tool set has all the basics and comes in an easy-to-carry and store case. “Just make sure you're comfortable and safe doing the work,” he says.

Update your showerhead with a sleek model that helps conserve water

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SparkPod High Pressure Water Conserving Showerhead

Another opportunity for an easy win is swapping in an efficient showerhead to use less water. “Water-saving [shower heads] and faucet aerators will also lower your monthly water costs while being aesthetically pleasing,” says Destry Thompson, general manager of John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. This versatile showerhead comes in an efficient model with an 1.8-gallon-per-minute flow rate, and it offers three high pressure rain and massage modes you can customize to your preferences. It features a streamlined design that comes in your choice of several finishes.

Install window insulation to reduce heating & cooling costs

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Duck Brand Window Insulation Kit

Andriy Boyko, founder of A.O. Handy Inc., says, “Insulated window film is effective for enhancing your home's energy efficiency by reducing heat loss during winter and blocking heat gain in summer.” This window insulation kit is a breeze to install with just a hair dryer to set it. It shrinks to a wrinkle-free, crystal-clear finish. Boyko notes that this upgrade “can cut down heat loss through windows by up to 35%. By improving insulation, it helps lower both heating and cooling costs.”

Move this draft stopper from door to door

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GORILLA GRIP Door Draft Stopper

Wherever your house gets drafty, you can prop this draft stopper up along the bottom of your door. It’ll prevent cold air from getting in, your hot air from getting out, and pests and bugs from getting inside. “Draft stoppers are practical for preventing drafts under doors and around windows, which can lead to energy savings by reducing the need for extra heating,” says Andriy Boyko, founder of A.O. Handy Inc.

Close up door gaps using this foam draft stopper

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Everlasting Comfort Door Draft Stopper

Addressing drafts in your home not only can enhance your comfort but also help your energy bills too — and this memory foam door stopper requires no permanent modifications to your home. It’s suitable for gaps along your interior door’s bottom ranging from 0.25 to 1.25 inches in height. And it can be trimmed to size for simple installation.

Apply this permanent draft stopper with a soft sweep base

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NAKBINX Door Sweep

If you’d rather find a permanent solution to your drafty doors, try this adhesive draft stopper. Designed with an adhesive backing that makes it simple to stick on any door in your house, it’s just over 39 inches in length and can be cut to size. The draft stopper also features a soft, broom-like sweep on the bottom to create an added insect barrier and for silent door opening.

Improve water flow with a faucet aerator replacement

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BOETOADG Faucet Aerator Replacement (4 Pieces)

Joe Hammer, the owner of SAK Electric Plumbing Inc., notes that swapping out your sink’s faucet aerators can save you a plumber visit down the line. “Replacing the aerator improves your home's water flow, which saves you money on your water bill by wasting less water. Replacing them is easy.”

Made from chrome-plated brass and stainless steel, these faucet aerators help prevent splash, reduce noise, and fully mix water and air so you can control flow without lowering water pressure. They’re easy to install — no tools needed — and this four-pack lets you upgrade multiple sinks at once without spending a lot of money.

Install a versatile faucet with dual functions

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Hibbent 360° Swivel Faucet Aerator

This faucet has a built in aerator and a unique swivel function, allowing you easier access to your water stream. It’s available in several attractive finishes, so you can coordinate with the rest of your room’s hardware. And reviewers love how easy it is to switch it to “sprayer” mode.

Apply silicone wall protectors behind your appliances

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FURNIMATE Silicone Wall Protectors (4 Pieces)

Andrii Gurskyi, CEO of Window Repair NYC and Mr. Glazier, recommends you put silicone backings on the backs of your kitchen appliances. In that regard, these long and slim silicone wall protectors are versatile, and can be used on the back of your refrigerator, freezer, or on other wall surfaces that might get bumped and damaged by heavy furniture. This is a set of four.

Redirect air flow with these magnetic deflectors for vents

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Home Intuition Air Vent Deflector (4-Pack)

Allen Chenault, the owner and founder of AC's Heating & Air LLC, says that “over time, vents can get bumped or have furniture moved in front of them, disrupting airflow.” This four-pack of air vent deflectors are magnetic for fast installation and expandable from 10 to 16 inches in width.

Use a water filter to improve taste & remove contaminants

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Brita Basic Faucet Water Filter System

Jason Best, the owner of Best Plumbing Services and SewerRepairs.com, suggests installing a faucet-mount filter “that removes contaminants and improves taste.” This Brita model (a brand he recommends) has more than 34,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It replaces 2,250 plastic bottles a year and each filter insert lasts for four months.

Enhance aesthetics with a new lighting fixture

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Matane 12-Inch LED Flush-Mount Ceiling Light Fixture

“New lighting fixtures can bring a room's aesthetic back to life quickly,” notes Jeffrey Chase, a handyman with HVAC Express Contracting. This flush-mount ceiling light has a simple, modern design that comes in black or white. The versatile piece offers a unique “night-light” mode, in addition to dimming (when combined with a dimmer switch) and three color temperatures.

Seal gaps at door corners to help ease energy bills

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Jetec Door Corner Weather Seals (6 Pieces)

If you’re looking for little ways to help improve your monthly energy bills, John Wilson, the owner of Wilson Plumbing and Heating has some tips. “Add weather-stripping to windows and doors to keep heat in and lower heating costs,” Wilson says.

These unique door corner seals are designed to fill the pesky gap that often forms between the edge of the door and frame. With a strong adhesive backing, they’re made from elastic polyurethane rubber with a nice-looking faux leather surface. They’re windproof, moistureproof, and protect from weather.

Use smart plugs that let you control appliances via phone

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Kasa Smart WiFi Plug (2-Pack)

“Electricians suggest using smart plugs to transform ordinary appliances into smart gadgets,” says Matt DiBara, CEO of The Contractor Consultants and CEO of DiBara Masonry. This two-pack of Kasa Smart Wi-Fi plugs is a great choice. “They may be remotely controlled via smartphone applications or voice assistants. This is particularly helpful for lights, fans, and coffee machines."

Switch any power strips to smart versions

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Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip

Andriy Boyko, founder of A.O. Handy Inc., recommends smart power strips for every household. “Smart power strips are a convenient solution to eliminate energy waste from electronics that are plugged in but not in use,” says Boyko. This best-selling power strip turns your existing single three-prong outlet into three three-prong outlets, and two additional USB-A ports. Sync this with your smart home device like Alexa or Google Home, or control it via the Kasa app. Each of the three-prong outlets can be controlled individually.

Add insulation to exposed pipes to prevent freezing

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Redford Supply Co. Pipe Insulation Tape

Got pipes that are exposed to cold weather elements? John Wilson, the owner of Wilson Plumbing and Heating has a tip for protecting your home’s plumbing: “Wrap your pipes with insulation to stop them from freezing and avoid costly repairs.” This PVC insulation tape comes in a variety of sizes and designs to suit different needs. It features a powerful adhesive that is designed to hold up long term, and it’s both waterproof and heat-retaining.

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