What to Unplug Before Vacation (and What to Leave On)

Vacation prep usually focuses on the essentials, such as passports and pet care. But knowing what to unplug before vacation can prove just as important.

For starters, a pre-trip sweep that includes unplugging key devices can lower your electric bill. Even when turned off, many draw a small amount of electricity if they’re plugged in. Standby power, also known as “vampire” power, accounts for about 5% to 10% of residential energy use, according to the US Department of Energy.

For another, unplugging certain devices can reduce the risk of fire, water damage, and surge-related problems.

Lo Choe, owner of Aura Fire Safety, a San Francisco-based fire protection company, advises homeowners to unplug anything that generates heat, retains heat, spins, charges, or continues drawing power before leaving an empty house.

Here are the items most likely to cause trouble.

The washer, dryer, and dishwasher

The National Fire Protection Association reports that most laundry-related fires involve the dryer. Lint buildup can clog airflow and cause a dryer to overheat. Oily residue on clothing and overloading the machine can also create problems.

Meanwhile, the washer and dishwasher remain connected to pressurized water lines, says Steve Karlik, owner and CEO of Blue Umbrella Waterproofing in New Jersey. “Even when not in use, hoses can fail, connections can loosen, and small leaks could go unnoticed for days,” he says.

Dishwashers also pose fire risks: Electrical faults or failing heating elements can spark fires.

To be safe, unplug the dryer, and shut off the water supply to the washer. If possible, shut off the dishwasher’s water supply before a long trip. However, the shutoff valves may be hard to reach. At a minimum, never leave home while the dishwasher, washer, or dryer is running. 

Heat-generating appliances

The dryer and dishwasher aren’t the only appliances that run hot. Choe recommends unplugging anything designed to generate heat, such as a toaster, air fryer, coffee maker, toaster oven, electric kettle, and space heaters.

The same rule of thumb applies to hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners.

If a component overheats or malfunctions, no one will be there to smell something burning or pull the plug. The risk increases if the appliances are greasy, dusty, or filled with crumbs.

Chargers and electronics

Chargers for your phone, laptop, and power tools continue to draw electricity whenever they’re plugged in—even when they are not actively charging a device. These are easy items to miss when deciding what to unplug before vacation, Choe says.

Similarly, never charge e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices while you’re asleep or away, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Also, unplug the device once it’s charged.

Unplug TVs, desktop computers, printers, gaming systems, and monitors, which continue drawing standby power and can be damaged by surges. Also consider shutting down crowded power strips and daisy-chained extension cords.

What not to unplug

Of course, not everything should be unplugged. Refrigerators and freezers should remain on if they contain food.

Routers and modems may also need to stay on if they support an alarm, security cameras, smart locks, or leak sensors.

You may also want to keep sump pumps plugged in, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy rain or basement flooding. The same goes for garage door openers and any essential medical devices.

If you’re unsure, focus on keeping systems connected that protect your home, prevent damage, or need to run continuously.

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Before you leave, take a few minutes to tackle what to unplug. Disconnect chargers and small appliances, and shut off the water. It’s a simple step that can provide greater peace of mind while you’re away and avoid an unwelcome and expensive homecoming.