Vacations are meant for relaxation, but true peace of mind comes from knowing your home is safe. Unplugging certain appliances can lower your bills and reduce fire risks, while others must stay connected for security or maintenance.
In this article, you will learn which items to disconnect and which to keep powered on while you’re away.
TVs, Cable Boxes, And Gaming Consoles
You may think electronic gadgets like televisions, gaming consoles, media players, and streaming devices are safe when powered off. However, they still consume energy in standby mode. Unplug them before vacation to save energy and protect them from damage.
Though cable and satellite boxes might take a while to reboot once you plug them back in, it’s still wise to unplug them before you leave.
Space Heaters
Never leave a space heater unattended; it’s a serious fire hazard. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data shows portable electric heaters are linked to approximately 1,100 fires annually, resulting in around 50 deaths, multiple injuries, and millions in property damage.
The National Fire Protection Association states that 32% of home heating fires involve space heaters. Before you head out on vacation, make sure to unplug your space heater. This will help keep your home safe.
Computers, Printers And Accessories
Computers, printers, and monitors are highly prone to power surges. Before heading off on vacation, make it a habit to unplug them.
It won’t cause any harm to the devices, but it will help protect your valuable data and prevent damage. This precaution helps keep your expensive equipment safe and gives you peace of mind while away.
Battery Chargers
Many power tools and household devices use lithium-ion batteries, which can sometimes malfunction and overheat despite their safety features. Keeping battery chargers plugged in for extended periods increases the risk of danger.
Although modern chargers are built to avoid overcharging, there is still a small risk of failure. Unplug your battery chargers when you are not home to monitor them to eliminate the risk of a fire hazard caused by a faulty battery or charger.
Washing Machines, Dishwashers, And Dryers
People consider washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers permanent fixtures and leave them plugged in even when not at home. These appliances consume significant standby energy as they need to heat water on demand. Unplugging them is safe and can lower energy bills.
Between 2010 and 2014, U.S. fire departments handled an average of 15,970 home structure fires that involved clothes dryers or washing machines annually, with 92% of these fires attributed to dryers. Disconnecting these appliances when not in use will safeguard your home.
Older Electric Blankets
Electric blankets, especially those over 10 years old, are linked to approximately 500 house fires annually, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
This shows how important it is to unplug them when not in use. Electric blankets pose a fire risk and should never be left plugged and unattended.
Small Kitchen Appliances
It’s easy to forget about toasters, coffee makers, electric kettles, and blenders when preparing for a vacation.
But unplugging them is a must. Even when they’re switched off, these devices can be vulnerable to power surges or unexpected malfunctions, which might cause overheating or even fires.
By disconnecting them, you reduce fire risks, save energy, and shield your appliances from potential electrical damage while you’re away.
Hair and Beauty Tools
Hair and beauty tools like hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and electric razors can get damaged if left plugged in when you are not around. They can malfunction, overheat, or be accidentally turned on, increasing the risk of fires.
You must unplug them immediately after use, regardless of whether you’re leaving for a long vacation or just a quick errand.
Lights
Many people leave some home lights on during vacations to enhance security, but it has risks. Lights left on for too long can cause overheating and even fires.
It also wastes energy and increases costs. A safer alternative is using timers or smart lighting systems that mimic occupancy.
Things That Should Stay Plugged In
Only devices critical for your well-being and home maintenance should stay plugged in or turned on while you’re away on vacation.
Refrigerators and deep freezers
Refrigerators and deep freezers should remain plugged in during vacations to maintain constant temperatures so food stays fresh and unspoiled.
Adjust their settings to more energy-efficient levels for short trips. However, if you plan to be away for over a month, clear out the contents of your fridge and unplug it to save on energy costs.
Wi-Fi And Modem
Keep your Wi-Fi router and modem on when you’re away. They use very little energy and are essential for keeping your smart home devices working.
Turning them off means there are no alerts from things like your smart thermostat. Having them on lets you check if your home’s power is working, giving you peace of mind during your trip.
Circuit Breakers
Relying on circuit breakers instead of unplugging appliances one by one when leaving for long periods is not smart. In many homes, circuit panels are often mislabeled, so you might think you’re shutting off power to a specific room but could accidentally turn off critical appliances like freezers or security systems.
This could lead to spoiled food, weakened home security, and other issues. Take the time to unplug devices directly and prevent these issues.
Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
While getting ready for a vacation, don’t overlook the security of your home. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are plugged in and fully operational while you’re away.
These devices protect your home by detecting smoke, fire, or gas leaks, making it crucial to ensure they are always powered for your home’s safety.
Home Security Systems
When you are on vacation, keep your home security systems, cameras, and smart devices plugged in and powered on. These devices safeguard your home and keep you connected.
They also provide real-time alerts if any issues arise and ensure peace of mind while you’re away.
