7 Things You Should Unplug Before Leaving for Vacation

You’ve packed your bags, locked the doors and double-checked that you have your passport.

But what about all the electronics you’re leaving plugged in?

Most people don’t think twice about the television, computer, coffee maker or gaming console sitting at home while they’re away.

Many electronics continue drawing small amounts of electricity even when they’re turned off. Others can create unnecessary risks if something goes wrong while nobody is home.

Unplugging a few devices before vacation can reduce standby electricity use, protect certain electronics from power surges and give you one less thing to worry about.

Here are seven things worth unplugging before your next trip, along with a few devices you should leave connected.

1. Televisions and Entertainment Systems

Your television might be off, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s using zero electricity.

Many modern smart TVs remain partially active in standby mode so they can respond to remote controls, download updates or support connected features.

Streaming devices, soundbars and other entertainment equipment can also consume power while idle.

If you’re leaving for several days, consider unplugging your entertainment setup.

A surge protector with a switch can make this easier, provided everything connected to it is safe to power down.

Just remember that unplugging a smart TV or streaming device means it won’t receive updates or respond to remote commands until you reconnect it.

2. Desktop Computers and Monitors

If you have a desktop computer, shutting it down before vacation is generally a good idea.

Once you’ve saved your work and properly shut down the computer, you can unplug it and its monitor.

This eliminates standby power consumption and disconnects the equipment from potential electrical disturbances traveling through the power connection.

However, don’t unplug a computer that’s performing an important backup or running services you need while you’re away.

If you rely on remote access to your home computer, you’ll need to leave the necessary equipment powered on.

For everyone else, a proper shutdown and unplugging the power cord is a reasonable precaution.

3. Gaming Consoles

Modern gaming consoles often have standby or rest modes.

These allow the system to download games, install updates and charge accessories without being fully powered on.

Convenient? Absolutely.

Necessary while you’re sitting on a beach for a week? Probably not.

Before leaving, shut down your console completely rather than putting it into rest mode.

Once it’s fully powered off, unplug it if you won’t need remote downloads or other connected features.

This is especially useful for entertainment centers with multiple consoles and accessories connected.

4. Coffee Makers and Small Kitchen Appliances

Coffee makers, electric kettles, toasters and similar appliances are worth checking before leaving home.

Some have clocks, displays or standby electronics that continue using a small amount of power.

Others contain heating elements, making it sensible to disconnect them when they aren’t needed.

Unplug countertop appliances you won’t be using during your trip.

Pay particular attention to appliances with heating functions.

And don’t forget equipment that might be tucked behind other items on the counter.

A quick kitchen walkthrough before leaving can catch things you might otherwise overlook.

5. Chargers You’re Not Using

Phone chargers, laptop power adapters and other charging equipment can draw small amounts of electricity while plugged into an outlet, even when they aren’t charging anything.

The amount varies by charger, and modern efficient chargers generally have very low no-load power consumption.

So unplugging one charger isn’t going to produce some miraculous electricity-bill reduction.

But if you have several chargers connected around the house, disconnecting unused ones is an easy habit.

It also removes unnecessary equipment from powered outlets while you’re away.

Check bedrooms, offices and kitchen counters for chargers that can be safely unplugged.

6. Printers and Office Equipment

Printers, scanners, shredders and other home-office devices are easy to forget.

Some printers remain in standby mode so they can receive wireless print jobs or perform maintenance.

If you’re leaving for an extended period, you may want to shut down and unplug equipment you won’t need.

However, inkjet printers deserve special consideration.

Some models perform maintenance routines that help prevent printheads from drying out. Manufacturers may recommend leaving them connected or following a specific shutdown procedure.

Check your printer’s instructions before disconnecting it for a long trip.

For equipment that doesn’t require standby power or maintenance, unplugging is usually straightforward.

7. Space Heaters and Portable Heating Devices

This is one category where unplugging is particularly important.

Portable space heaters and other high-wattage heating appliances should not be left connected unnecessarily when you’re away.

Even if a heater is switched off, disconnecting it provides an additional safeguard against accidental activation or equipment problems.

The same general precaution applies to portable heating appliances such as electric blankets and heating pads.

Turn them off and unplug them before leaving.

Never connect a portable space heater to an ordinary power strip or extension cord. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use an appropriate wall outlet.

What Should You Leave Plugged In?

Not everything should be disconnected before vacation.

Some devices are important for food safety, security, connectivity or home maintenance.

Refrigerator and Freezer

Unless you’re intentionally emptying and shutting down the appliance, leave your refrigerator and freezer connected.

Unplugging them can lead to spoiled food and water damage as frozen items thaw.

Wi-Fi Router and Modem

If you use smart security cameras, connected doorbells, smart locks or remote monitoring systems, your internet equipment may need to remain powered on.

Unplugging your router could disable those services.

Security Cameras and Alarm Systems

Leave essential security equipment operating according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Some systems have battery backups, but those batteries aren’t intended to replace normal power indefinitely.

Smart Thermostats

Your thermostat may need power to maintain appropriate temperatures while you’re away.

This can be particularly important during extreme heat or cold.

Use your thermostat’s vacation or away settings rather than disconnecting it.

Sump Pumps and Other Essential Equipment

If your home has a sump pump, water-leak detection system or other equipment that protects against property damage, make sure it remains powered.

Unplugging essential equipment can create a much bigger problem than a few dollars of standby electricity use.

Should You Turn Off Power Strips Before Vacation?

For nonessential electronics, switching off a power strip can be a convenient way to disconnect several devices at once.

However, turning off a power strip isn’t necessarily equivalent to physically unplugging it.

If your goal is to isolate equipment from the electrical supply during a prolonged absence, unplugging the strip provides a more complete disconnection.

Also, don’t assume every appliance belongs on a power strip.

High-wattage appliances such as space heaters should be plugged directly into appropriate wall outlets.

Does Unplugging Electronics Really Save Money?

Yes, but the savings depend on the devices involved.

Electronics that continue using electricity while switched off contribute to what’s commonly called standby power consumption.

Some devices use very little power. Others, particularly older electronics or equipment designed to remain connected, may use more.

Unplugging unused equipment eliminates its standby electricity use.

However, the savings from a single vacation may be modest.

The bigger benefit is developing habits that reduce unnecessary electricity consumption throughout the year.

Will Unplugging Electronics Protect Them From Lightning?

Physically disconnecting electronics from power outlets can help isolate them from surges traveling through electrical wiring.

But unplugging a power cord doesn’t necessarily disconnect every possible path for a surge.

Devices may also have connections through coaxial cables, telephone lines or other wiring.

And no simple precaution guarantees protection against every lightning-related event.

If you live in an area with frequent electrical storms, consider discussing whole-home surge protection with a qualified electrician.

A Quick Electronics Checklist Before Leaving

Before heading out, walk through your home and check the following:

• Turn off and unplug nonessential entertainment equipment.
• Properly shut down computers you won’t need.
• Power down gaming consoles.
• Unplug unused kitchen appliances.
• Disconnect unnecessary chargers.
• Check home-office equipment.
• Unplug portable heaters and heating devices.
• Confirm refrigerators and freezers remain powered.
• Make sure security systems and internet equipment stay connected if needed.
• Verify that essential home equipment is operating normally.

This takes only a few minutes and can prevent unnecessary surprises when you return.

FAQ

Should I Unplug My TV Before Going on Vacation?

You can unplug your television if you won’t need its connected features while away. This eliminates standby power consumption and disconnects it from the power outlet.

Is It Safe to Leave Chargers Plugged In While Away?

Modern chargers from reputable manufacturers are generally designed for continuous connection. However, unplugging unused chargers is a reasonable precaution, especially if they are damaged, unusually hot or of questionable quality.

Should I Unplug My Wi-Fi Router Before Vacation?

Not if you rely on internet-connected security cameras, smart locks or other devices that require connectivity. Leave your router powered if those services need to remain available.

Does Unplugging Appliances Save Electricity?

Yes. Devices that consume standby power stop drawing that electricity when disconnected. The amount saved depends on the equipment and how long it remains unplugged.

Should I Unplug My Refrigerator Before Vacation?

Usually not. Leave it running if it contains food. Only shut it down if you’ve intentionally emptied it and followed the manufacturer’s instructions for extended storage.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to unplug every electronic device in your house before going on vacation.

But disconnecting unnecessary equipment is a simple way to reduce standby electricity use and avoid leaving certain appliances powered while nobody is home.

Focus on entertainment equipment, unused chargers, computers and portable heating appliances.

Leave essential systems such as refrigerators, security equipment and necessary networking devices connected.

A few minutes of preparation can help you enjoy your trip without wondering what you left running at home.

 

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