The Silent Budget Busters You Didn’t Know You Had 

You expect your air conditioner to hum steadily, your faucets to flow without fuss, and your appliances to do their jobs without complaint. But lurking beneath the surface, neglected systems and inefficient appliances can be stealthily inflating your bills. In a climate like Central Florida—where cooling demand and humidity are constants—this hidden drain on your budget can sneak up on you faster than an unexpected downpour. 
 
Here are some silent budget busters you didn’t know you had. 

The AC That Eats Your Paycheck 

Florida’s heat and humidity mean air conditioning isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline, but that lifeline costs! The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says that cooling typically accounts for 40–50% of a Florida home’s energy use. If your AC’s filter is clogged, refrigerant is low, or parts are worn, your air conditioner has to work harder and longer to cool your home—wasting energy and shortening its lifespan. That extra strain can hike energy use by 15% or more, cutting into your savings and comfort. 

Even worse, an improperly sized system may cycle inefficiently, failing to remove moisture and making your AC work even harder. Regular tune-ups, proper sizing, and timely repairs—or even system upgrades—can save homeowners hundreds of dollars a year and keep the air crisp and dry. 

If you haven’t had your Precision Tune-Up yet, you need to call us. This routine maintenance can prevent problems before they happen and keep you operating at maximum efficiency, without hogging your power.  

The Leaky Little Culprit 

You might think a dripping faucet is just a minor annoyance—but plumbing leaks are far from harmless. One faucet dripping at just one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. That’s water—and money—going right out the window. 

Take the running toilet: what may seem like a small issue can quickly become a big expense. A moderate leak can dump out around 6,000 gallons per month, costing homeowners roughly $70 extra per month, or about $1,000 a year in wasted water. More serious leaks are even costlier—some estimates show running toilets adding as much as $100 a month, or $1,200 a year. A large, nonstop leak could push daily costs up to hundreds of gallons and dozens of dollars per day. 

That’s not just waste—it’s water and energy literally flushed away. 

The Hot Water Hog in the Closet 

It’s easy to forget about your water heater—tucked away in a closet or garage—but it’s often the second-largest energy user in your home, right behind your HVAC system. The DOE reports that water heating can account for 14–18% of a household’s energy use. If your unit is more than 10 years old, sediment buildup, worn heating elements, or a lack of insulation can make it work harder to heat the same amount of water, adding unnecessary dollars to your bill. 

Even small inefficiencies add up fast. A water heater that’s losing heat through its tank walls (known as standby heat loss) can waste hundreds of kilowatt-hours each year. And if it’s set too high—above the DOE-recommended 120°F—you’re paying to superheat water you don’t actually need. 

Tankless water heaters, or modern high-efficiency tank models, can cut water heating costs significantly, especially when paired with prompt repairs for leaks or faulty thermostats. And regular maintenance—like flushing the tank annually—can extend its lifespan and keep it running efficiently. 

Appliances That Outstay Their Welcome 

Old and inefficient appliances—your fridge, washer, or dryer—can drain energy silently. Swapping out a 1990s refrigerator for a new ENERGY STAR® model can cut energy use by over 30%, immediately saving big on your bills. In Orlando’s humid environment, these savings are doubly important—appliances work harder to maintain temperature and dryness, so efficiency upgrades work harder to save you more in the long run. 

The Domino Effect on Your Bills 

These hidden hogs often interact to multiply their impact: a struggling AC leaves your home humid, making your fridge work overtime; a running toilet adds moisture that your AC then battles. It’s a vicious cycle that can increase your bills by hundreds of dollars annually. But that's fixable—with timely maintenance and awareness, you can shut down the cycle and reclaim your comfort—and your budget. 

Join ClubOne and Keep Energy Hogs at Bay 

Here’s where ServiceOne Air Conditioning & Plumbing adds even more value. Our ClubOne Membership delivers peace of mind and savings all year round. As a member, you get 15% off any required repairs, enjoy a five-year guarantee on all HVAC services, and receive priority scheduling for your cooling needs. Plus, if you move, your agreement moves with you (ServiceOne Air Conditioning and Plumbing's CLUBONE). 

Think about it: that running toilet or sluggish AC won’t stay hidden forever—and when they show up, ClubOne means you’re already equipped with both the benefit and the backup to handle it efficiently and affordably. 

ServiceOne: Your Efficiency Ally 

At ServiceOne, we’re more than fixers—we’re your partners in smart home comfort. From AC tune-ups that sharpen efficiency, to plumbing repairs that stop waste in its tracks, we help Orlando homeowners identify and eliminate hidden drains on comfort and savings. And with ClubOne, you’re not just covered—you’re prioritized, protected, and paying less when it counts. 

Everyone’s home uses energy—but no one’s home should waste it. Tame the hidden hogs, and enjoy better comfort, lower bills, and a home that runs like it should. 

Call ServiceOne Air Conditioning and Plumbing to handle your hidden hogs!