Spoiler: Some Failures Are More Predictable Than You Think 

We don’t usually wake up wondering if our garbage disposal will give up on us today, or if the water heater will throw in the towel by dinner. Most homeowners go about their lives assuming their HVAC, plumbing, and filtration systems will keep humming along as expected. But here’s the truth: Every system in your home has a statistical shelf life—and some of them are more prone to catastrophe than others. 

So, what are the odds your comfort gets interrupted by a breakdown?  

Air Conditioners: Cool Today, Gone Tomorrow? 

It’s a sweltering Florida afternoon. Your A/C is your best friend—until it suddenly stops working. But is that just bad luck? 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average central air conditioning unit lasts 15 to 20 years, but 53% of homeowners will experience at least one A/C breakdown before year 10. In fact, Consumer Reports found that nearly one in four central air conditioning systems develop problems with refrigerant lines, coils, or the control board within the first decade if they are not properly maintained. 

The odds of an A/C breakdown increase drastically in humid climates like Central Florida, where systems run harder and longer. Without regular maintenance, your odds of a breakdown can spike by up to 80%. Dirty coils, clogged filters, and low refrigerant levels silently conspire to bring down your cool oasis. 

Still, there’s good news: Routine maintenance eliminates most of these problems! Join ServiceOne’s ClubOne program and keep your A simple annual check-up with ServiceOne can slash those odds dramatically. Studies show that properly maintained HVAC units are 40% less likely to fail prematurely. 

The ClubOne program with ServiceOne offers programs for either air conditioning or plumbing!  

Water Heaters: Silent Workhorses with a Deadline 

It’s easy to forget about your water heater—until it forgets about you. Suddenly, your steamy morning shower turns into a cold awakening. 

So what’s the expected lifespan of these appliances? For traditional tank water heaters, the average life expectancy is 8 to 12 years, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Meanwhile, tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years, but they’re not immune to problems either. 

According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), 69% of water heater failures result from a slow leak or a sudden rupture—and 75% of those failures occur within 12 years of installation. The average insurance claim from a water heater mishap? A whopping $4,444. 

If your water heater is over 10 years old, you’ve got roughly a 1 in 3 chance it’s nearing the end. And here’s the kicker: the older it gets, the more likely it is to leak. ServiceOne’s plumbing pros can help you assess your odds—and replace your unit before disaster strikes. 

Garbage Disposals: Grinding to a Halt 

Garbage disposals may be small, but they do a lot of heavy lifting. These under-sink beasts are built to last about 8 to 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. 

According to HomeAdvisor, the average disposal needs repair or replacement after about 10 years, and roughly 20% of homeowners report a disposal failure or jam every year. That’s one in five households! 

What’s more, clogs from improper use—think fibrous veggies, grease, or even eggshells—account for over 60% of all disposal service calls. 

If your garbage disposal is making weird noises, vibrating more than usual, or smelling like something from a horror movie, it’s likely not “just a phase.” Your odds of needing a fix are probably higher than you think. 

Toilets: Tanks for Nothing? 

Here’s a surprising stat: toilets are among the most reliable systems in the home, with many lasting 25 years or more. But that doesn’t mean they’re immune to problems. 

According to Kohler and other manufacturers, the internal components of toilets—like flappers, fill valves, and seals—tend to wear out every 5 to 7 years. And once those parts start to degrade, your odds of dealing with a leaky, phantom-flushing, or running toilet go way up. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90+ gallons of water a day, much of it due to faulty toilets. Over time, that can lead to mold, rot, and major water bills. 

The good news? A regular plumbing check-up by a ServiceOne plumber can eliminate those leaks and reduce your odds of failure to almost zero. 

Water Filtration Systems: Crystal Clear… Until They’re Not 

Whole-house water filtration systems work quietly in the background, protecting your plumbing and your health. But filters and membranes wear out over time, and without regular maintenance, performance drops dramatically. 

Depending on type and brand, water filtration systems last 10 to 15 years, but filters may need to be replaced as often as every 6 months. Failure to do so increases your odds of reduced flow, bad-tasting water, or worse—bacterial contamination. 

According to the Water Quality Association (WQA), over 30% of homeowners who use water filtration systems report forgetting to change filters regularly—greatly increasing their risk of contamination or clogging. 

Want to keep your system (and your family) safe?  

Check out the Halo water filtration system with carbon filters that last 10 years!  Talk to ServiceOne!  

Air Filtration Systems: Are You Breathing Trouble? 

Indoor air quality has become a top concern for many families, especially in allergy-prone homes. Air filtration systems—like HEPA filters, UV purifiers, and electronic air cleaners—are a solid defense. But they require regular attention. 

The EPA recommends changing standard HVAC air filters every 30 to 90 days, depending on your home environment. Yet 41% of homeowners admit they don’t change them that often, and nearly 20% say they only change filters once or twice a year. 

Dirty filters reduce system efficiency by up to 15%, and can increase your odds of breakdowns, indoor air quality issues, and even respiratory illness. Left unchecked, they also strain your blower motor and ductwork—leading to higher repair costs and earlier system failure. 

Talk to ServiceOne about the REME Halo 5 air filtration system, guaranteed to eliminate 99.9% of germs, including COVID.  

The ServiceOne Safety Net 

When it comes to household systems, the odds aren’t always in your favor—but they’re not out of your control, either. 

Preventive maintenance is like buying insurance with immediate returns. Regular tune-ups, inspections, and filter changes reduce your odds of catastrophic failure across the board. 

ServiceOne offers expert HVAC and plumbing care to keep the odds stacked in your favor. Our techs catch problems early, recommend smart replacements, and help you avoid the high costs of surprise breakdowns. 

Because while we can’t predict the future—we can prepare you for it. 

Thinking your system might be on borrowed time? Let’s take a look. 

Call ServiceOne Air Conditioning & Plumbing today. We’ll help you defy the odds—and keep your home running right.