Editor's note: This is a transcript of the audio file.
In this economy, you may be tempted to skip minor home repairs and inspections.
But don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish. I'm Janet Stauble with your Bankrate.com Personal Finance Minute.
An annual HVAC inspection costs about 200 dollars, and small repairs to a furnace blower could be about 150 dollars. But if you let it go, replacing a broken heat exchanger could set you back up to 3,500 dollars. An HVAC system is an investment worth thousands, so expect to pay a few hundred dollars on maintenance each year.
A simple chimney cleaning and inspection can prevent chimney fires and damage to your entire house, making that annual 150 dollar investment worth the cost.
Loss for termite damage costs about 3,000 dollars for the average homeowner, but losses can be higher. Termites eat wood from the inside out, so it's impossible for the average homeowner to detect initial damage. Invest in an inspection and termite protection program.
Dryer vent fires have caused more than damage to a home, they've caused deaths. Make sure to pay about 200 dollars each year to have your dryer vent cleaned.
And cleaning carpet is more affordable than replacing it. Extend the life of your floors with regular cleanings.
Want to learn more? Log onto Bankrate.com. I'm Janet Stauble.