8 Things To Always Unplug When You Go On Vacation (And 3 Things To Keep Plugged In)
Heading out on vacation requires prepping your home, too. Many everyday devices use electricity even when they’re off, which can waste energy and create fire risks. Knowing what to unplug before you leave can save money and give you peace of mind.
At the same time, some appliances should stay powered to keep your house running smoothly while you’re gone. This guide breaks down exactly what to unplug and what to keep plugged in before your trip—so you can relax, knowing your home is safe and energy-efficient.
Small Kitchen Appliances
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You won’t be making toast or reheating leftovers while you’re away, so why let your toaster, microwave, or blender keep using electricity? These things drain electricity even when they’re off. Unplug them to reduce energy waste and the risk of short circuits or electrical faults.
Heaters and Electric Blankets
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This one’s absolutely non-negotiable. Space heaters and heated blankets can overheat if left plugged in too long. They’ve been linked to thousands of fires every year. Even if they’re turned off, they’re still a risk. Unplug them. It’s a small move that makes a big difference.
Phone and Laptop Chargers
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Chargers do more than just sit there. They constantly draw energy and get warm. Left on a couch or bed, they can overheat. Apart from being wasteful, it’s also dangerous. Unplug all of them, even if they’re not connected to a device.
Gaming Consoles and Desktops
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Your console might be off, but it’s still working behind the scenes. Updates, standby mode, and blinking lights all burn electricity. And don’t forget power surges. One hit while you’re away can wreck the system. So make sure to shut it down, unplug it, and save money and headaches later.
Window Air Conditioners
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These guys love to sip electricity. Even when switched off, the window AC stays on standby and drains power. Some can even trip breakers or restart after outages. If you’re leaving town, turn it off completely. Better yet, unplug it and let your panel rest easy.
Curling Irons and Hair Dryers
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Ever leave the house and wonder if you left your flat iron on? That feeling’s the worst and you don’t wanna risk it. Hair tools get dangerously hot, and they’re also one of the top causes of house fires. Unplug them right after you use them—every time.
Washer and Dryer
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Washers and dryers have smart features and digital displays that stay active even when not in use. They don’t need to be plugged in while you’re out of town, and a power surge can mess up their electronics. Unplug both to avoid costly repairs.
Television and Streaming Devices
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TVs and gadgets like Apple TV or Fire Stick stay “on” even when they look off. They quietly check for updates and drain your power. If you’re gone, you won’t be binge-watching. Pull the plug and save on the bill while protecting your devices.
Tool Chargers in the Garage
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Drill battery on the charger? That’s fine when you’re home, but not while you’re away. These chargers can overheat and cause trouble, especially in hot garages. Unplug them all. By not overcharging the batteries, you’ll also extend the life of your tools.
Lamps and Decorative Lights
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At a glance, they seem harmless, but if a bulb flickers or wiring wears out, lamps can start fires. Decorative lights are equally risky and should be shut off completely since there’s no one to enjoy them and thus no reason to let them burn energy for nothing.
Refrigerator and Freezer
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You’ll want to keep your food cold unless you plan to empty everything. A fridge full of spoiled food is a nasty welcome home. If you’ll be gone a while, keep it running and bump the settings to “vacation mode” to save energy.
Home Security System
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Home security systems should stay on, no matter what. Your cameras, sensors, alarms—all of it needs power. Even the Wi-Fi it runs on shouldn’t be turned off. If you unplug anything connected to your security system, you weaken your protection. Triple-check that everything’s plugged in and working before you leave.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
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These detectors need power 24/7 for security purposes. If something goes wrong while you’re away, they’re your first line of defense. Some even alert emergency contacts or fire departments. Make sure they work, and if they use batteries, too, test them. This is one thing you don’t risk.
Wi-Fi Router and Modem
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Lots of smart devices run on Wi-Fi—security cameras, smart locks, thermostats—you name it. If your internet cuts off, they go offline, too. Keep your router and modem plugged in so your systems can keep doing their job, and you can check in remotely.
Light Timers for Security
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These give your home that lived-in look. A few lights turning on and off in the evening can help keep burglars away. Use timers in rooms that are visible from the street. Leave them plugged in and set them to follow your usual routine.