8 Things To Always Unplug When You Go On Vacation

When heading out on a vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is items using up electricity while you’re not home.  From small kitchen appliances to gaming consoles, some devices continue to draw power even when they are turned off, often increasing your electricity bill.

But unplugging goes beyond saving electricity–it’s about fire safety, too. 

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Each year, incidents involving electrical equipment, such as extension cords, outlets and light bulbs, result in more than 41,000 residential fires that claim about 350 lives and cause over 1,400 injuries. These fires also cause more than $620 million in property damage annually.”

If you’re headed out of town, it’s easy to remember to lock the door and grab your suitcase, but do a once-over in each room and make sure these items are unplugged, too.

Things To Always Unplug When You Go On Vacation

Unplugging items in your home before leaving for vacation can help cut back on some electricity costs, as well as help prevent an unwanted electrical fire. 

Small Kitchen Appliances

Countertop appliances draw power when they are plugged in, whether you are using them or not. It’s important to make sure they are unplugged to avoid using power or any unwarranted electrical surges. 

Consider unplugging:

• Coffee Pot/Espresso Machine

• Microwave

• Air Fryer

• Blender

• Electric Kettle

• Toaster

• Stand Mixer

• Slow Cookers

• Rice Cookers

• Electric Skillets

• Food Processor

Heaters

Space heaters can be dangerous, even when they’re closely attended, so making sure they are unplugged when away is paramount. Space heaters that are left plugged in can increase the risk of a fire.

Electric Blankets

As with heaters, electric blankets pose a fire risk and should be unplugged anytime they are not in use.

Chargers

When it comes to chargers–particularly lithium ion batteries–all should be unplugged before departing your home.

“Unattended charging can increase the chance of overcharging. When overcharged, lithium-ion batteries may overheat, explode and catch fire,” the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services states.

Gaming Consoles

Even if your gaming console is turned off, many electronic devices still draw electricity so it’s important to make sure they’re unplugged when you won’t be using them anytime soon.

Computers

Desktops and laptops can fall victim to electrical surges if left plugged in while you are away. To avoid this – and any costly repairs or replacements–be sure they are unplugged before walking out the door.

Air Conditioning Window Units

There is no need to cool a house that no one is in, especially if you’re using a window air conditioning unit. Be sure to unplug and remove window units before leaving for vacation.

Hair Styling Tools

The age-old “Did I remember to unplug my hair straightener?” is even more true when you’re heading out of town. It’s important to unplug hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and any other electrical hair tools.

Things To Always Leave Plugged In

In a rush to unplug everything and make sure you still make your flight on time, there are three household items that should never be unplugged when you go on vacation.

Your refrigerator and freezer should always remain plugged in, even when you go on extended trips. The items inside rely on the constant temperatures to remain cold or frozen. Unplugging these large appliances risks spoiling everything inside.

For the same reason as refrigerators and freezers, deep freezers should also remain plugged in during vacations.

Routers and modems should also remain plugged in, because they don’t use a ton of energy and disconnecting them can also interfere with any connected devices that help run your home, like thermostats or home security systems.