Going away for a while? Maybe you’re off to spend a couple of weeks road-tripping down the coast or finally cashing in on that holiday you’ve been planning for years. Either way, before you lock the door and wave goodbye to your everyday routine, it’s worth doing a quick walk-through of your home, specifically the appliances quietly chugging away in the background.
Leaving appliances plugged in while you’re away isn’t just about wasting electricity. It can lead to surges, unnecessary wear, and even fire hazards. Plus, why let your blender or TV soak up power when no one’s home to use them?
If you’re not sure which things to switch off before heading out, here’s a breakdown of what you can safely unplug — and why it matters more than you’d think.
First Things First: Why Bother Unplugging?
You might be thinking, “What’s the harm if I leave my coffee machine plugged in?” Well, it’s not just about electricity bills — although saving a few bucks doesn’t hurt.
The real reasons to unplug include:
- Power surges: Summer storms or unexpected outages can fry sensitive electronics.
- Phantom energy: Many appliances still draw power even when they’re off.
- Safety: Frayed cords or aging outlets combined with constant energy flow can be a fire risk.
- Appliance lifespan: Constant power cycling can wear on internal components.
So, even if your home’s never had issues before, unplugging is just a good habit. It’s peace of mind you’ll appreciate while you’re lounging poolside or flying over time zones.
What You Should Unplug
Not everything needs to be unplugged — your fridge might still need to run (unless you’re gone for months). But quite a few common household items are just sitting there quietly sipping power or at risk of surge damage.
1. Televisions
Even turned off, your TV is still technically on standby, waiting for a signal from the remote. That standby mode uses energy and keeps internal components mildly warm, which isn’t great long-term. Pull the plug on all TVs in your home — including any in guest rooms or dens.
Bonus tip: If you’ve got a surge protector, turn the switch off instead of unplugging everything individually.
2. Computers and Laptops
Shut them down properly, and then unplug both the machine and the charger. Desktops especially draw energy when left idle. Plus, electronics don’t love random voltage spikes — and you don’t want to come back to a fried hard drive.
If you’re keeping important files at home, back them up online or to a cloud service, just in case.
3. Microwaves and Small Kitchen Appliances
Microwaves are notorious for slurping up power when not in use. They often have digital displays that stay lit 24/7. Same goes for:
- Coffee makers
- Toasters
- Air fryers
- Blenders
If it’s not keeping something cold or running on a timer, unplug it.
What to Consider Before Unplugging
Not everything should be unplugged blindly. A few appliances are best left alone, depending on how long you’re gone or the climate in your area.
| Appliance | Safe to Unplug? | Notes |
| Refrigerator | Depends | If empty and cleaned out, yes. Otherwise, leave it. |
| Wi-Fi Router | Maybe | If you’ve got smart home devices, leave them on. |
| HVAC System | No | But you can raise the thermostat to save energy. |
| Security System | No | Always leave it on and running. |
| Water Heater | Yes | If the electric and no one’s using hot water, shut it off or switch to vacation mode. |
So, before you pull the plug on the fridge or heating system, take a moment to ask: Will anything go wrong without it?
How to Prep Appliances Safely
If you’re going to do it, do it right. Don’t just yank cords from the wall — especially with heavier or more delicate devices. That’s a good way to damage the socket or mess with internal parts. Here’s a smarter approach:
For electronics (TVs, PCs, consoles):
- Power down completely.
- Unplug from the wall, not just a surge protector.
- Dust off vents or fans while you’re at it.
For kitchen gear:
- Empty crumbs or food bits first.
- Give them a quick wipe-down, especially anything sticky.
- Coil cords loosely so they’re not pulling or pinching.
And if something feels off — like a plug that sparks when you remove it or a warm cord — you might want to get it looked at. Sometimes weird stuff pops up just when you’re rushing out the door. If that happens, save yourself the stress and schedule a quick appliance repair for when you’re back. No need to leave it hanging.
Don’t Forget: Chargers and “Hidden” Energy Drainers
Phone chargers, electric toothbrush bases, smart speakers, diffusers, battery-powered vacuum docks — they might not look like much, but leave a few of these running and you’ll notice it on your next energy bill.
Go room by room, and unplug:
- Bathroom gadgets (hair dryers, straighteners, shavers)
- Bedroom items (charging docks, heated blankets)
- Office extras (printers, shredders, desk lamps)
- Living room consoles (gaming systems, smart home hubs)
If it’s not actively doing something while you’re away, unplug it.
A Few Things to Leave Plugged In (Yes, Really)
Even with the best intentions, some appliances are better left alone.
- Refrigerator: If you’re gone less than 4 weeks, and there’s food inside, leave it running. For longer trips, empty and clean it out, then unplug and leave the door slightly open to prevent smells.
- Security cameras and alarms: These are your home’s eyes and ears. Keep them powered and connected.
- Smart thermostats and sensors: If your HVAC system or smart plugs need a connection to manage temperatures, you’ll need your router and smart systems running.
Quick Final Checklist Before You Lock Up
Feeling organised? Good. Print or screenshot this list so you don’t forget the essentials.
- Shut off the water supply (if you’re going for weeks)
- Set the thermostat to energy-saving mode
- Unplug major and minor appliances
- Empty bins and clean perishables
- Notify a neighbour or friend to check in occasionally
- Double-check locks, windows, and security systems
- Leave interior lights on a timer if you want it to look occupied
- A few minutes of prep can prevent a world of hassle later.
Bottom Line
Going away should feel like a break, not a looming question mark about whether your toaster’s overheating or if your smart speaker is still whispering to itself.
Unplugging isn’t about paranoia. It’s about being smart, saving a bit of money, and giving yourself one less thing to worry about while you’re enjoying your trip.
A little unplugged goes a long way.