Nothing is more exciting than going on vacation, but we still shouldn’t forget about the boring stuff just before we leave. This might involve checking in with our neighbors or even figuring out what electronic appliances need to be unplugged and what needs to be left on. If you’re unsure, then here’s a helpful guide to point you in the right direction.
Coffee Maker – Unplug
Let’s be honest, most people probably don’t even think about their coffee maker. Even when your machine is turned off, it still uses a tiny bit of electricity. That small trickle might not seem like a big deal, but if you’re gone for several days or a week, it adds up.
Toaster – Unplug
Of course, your toaster might seem completely off when you’re not using it, but many modern models have lights or sensors that stay active while plugged in. These draw power unnecessarily and can pose a fire risk if there’s a crumb build-up inside or the wiring is faulty.
It only takes a few seconds to unplug, and you’re not going to need it while you’re out enjoying your trip.
TV – Unplug
Don’t be fooled by this one, because when your TV is off, it’s usually in standby mode, meaning it’s still pulling electricity just to be ready for that remote click. That standby power can add up, especially with big, newer smart TVs that have lots of background features like updates or voice control.
Game Consoles – Unplug
Believe it or not, game consoles, when left on, often stay connected to Wi-Fi, perform background updates, or stay in a low-power mode that still uses electricity. Over time, this quiet activity can wear on the system or cause overheating issues if there’s not good airflow.
Desktop Computers – Unplug
Now, this one’s really important, especially if you work from home or have a family desktop. Sometimes, when it’s fully shut down, the machine can still pull a small bit of power because things like the power supply or USB hubs stay slightly active.
Also, storms or outages while you’re away can damage the motherboard or hard drive, and that’s not something you want to deal with right after a vacation.
Chargers – Unplug
You’d be forgiven for debating about this one, however, chargers for phones, laptops, tablets, and even toothbrushes keep using electricity just by being plugged in. Even without a device attached, the adapter is active and working. That’s energy being used for nothing, and over time, it adds up.
Lamps with Timers – Unplug
This might come as a surprise, but lamps can be tricky, and not every one of them needs to stay plugged in. If you’ve set up certain lamps with timers or smart plugs for home security, then that’s great, keep those on.
However, bulbs, even LED ones, can sometimes overheat or cause minor electrical issues, especially if they’re older or sitting near curtains or paper.
Microwave – Unplug
Think about it, your microwave uses electricity even when you’re not heating anything. That little clock and control panel light keep drawing power 24/7. Multiply that over several days, and you’ve got some serious phantom energy usage. Also, just like TVs and computers, microwaves can get hit hard by power surges, which can damage the internal electronics.
Hair Styling Tools – Unplug
Try to remember that this is a big one for your safety as hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners all get incredibly hot and have been known to cause house fires when left plugged in. Even if you switch them off, the plug can still have a tiny electrical current.
Refrigerator – Leave On
Most of the time, your fridge should stay plugged in, that is, unless you’re going on a super long trip and plan to empty and clean it out entirely. Food safety is a big deal, and even a short power loss can lead to spoiled dairy, thawed meats, and a smelly mess.
Thermostat – Leave On
Not many people know that your thermostat isn’t just about comfort but also protects your house. Actions such as shutting it off completely might seem like a way to save money, but if temps get too hot or too cold, you could end up with mold, warped wood floors, or frozen pipes, depending on the season.
Security Cameras – Leave On
No question about it, peace of mind while you’re away is priceless. If you have security cameras set up, make sure they’re plugged in, connected to Wi-Fi, and working properly before you go.
These cameras do a lot more than just record, they can also send real-time alerts, store video in the cloud, and let you check in on your house from your phone.
Wi-Fi Router – Leave On
This is usually something people end up debating, as turning off your Wi-Fi might sound like a way to save energy, but in most homes, that connection powers way more than just your laptop.
Your smart thermostat, cameras, alarm system, and some lights depend on Wi-Fi to function. If they shut down, you might mess up your whole smart home setup.
Alarm System – Leave On
For sure, this is the no-brainer of the bunch, but it still deserves a reminder. Your home security system only works if it’s active and connected. Make sure everything is armed, notifications are turned on, and backup batteries are charged, and then you can let it do its job while you’re gone.
Freezer – Leave On
This probably goes without saying, but if your freezer is full of items you don’t want to lose, like meat, veggies, or that expensive ice cream, then absolutely leave it plugged in. Even a few hours without power could cause thawing, leading to a mess or spoiled food.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Leave On
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and your smoke and CO detectors are your home’s silent protectors. They don’t use much electricity, but they’re absolutely essential. If no one is home, a detector can alert your neighbors or, if it’s smart-enabled, send you an alert on your phone.
Water Heater (if it has a vacation mode) – Leave On
Lastly, if you’re heading out for more than a few days, check whether your model has a vacation mode. Most newer ones do, and it lets the unit lower the water temperature to save energy while still preventing freezing or bacteria growth. If your water heater is an old one, you can manually lower the temperature a bit.
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Parts of this article were developed using AI assistance.