10 Appliances You Should Always Unplug Before Leaving on Vacation

 

 

10 Appliances You Should Always Unplug Before Leaving on Vacation

“Most people lock the door and drive away without giving their appliances a second thought,” says Mr. Kwiatkoski. “But taking 10 minutes to walk through your home and unplug the right things can protect you from a fire hazard, water damage, or an unexpectedly high electric bill when you get back.”

With over two decades of experience helping South Florida families buy and sell homes, Dean Kwiatkoski of Signature International Real Estate has seen firsthand how much homeowners invest — financially and emotionally — in their properties. That’s why, as summer travel season gets into full swing, Dean is sharing a simple but important checklist every homeowner should use before leaving on vacation: which appliances to unplug, and why it matters.

Read all the way through — there’s a free interactive checklist you can download straight to your phone!

 

WHY UNPLUGGING APPLIANCES BEFORE VACATION IS SO IMPORTANT

You’ve earned this vacation. The last thing you want is to spend it worrying about what’s happening back home.

“I always tell my clients — whether they’re first-time buyers or longtime homeowners — that protecting your home doesn’t stop when you leave,” says Dean Kwiatkoski. “A few smart habits before you head out the door can make a real difference.”

 

Here’s why unplugging matters:

• Energy savings — Many appliances draw power even when they’re not in use. These “phantom loads” quietly add to your electric bill every day. Unplugging them while you’re away costs you nothing and saves you money.

• Fire protection — Appliances left plugged in are exposed to heat and voltage fluctuations. A power surge while you’re away can turn a plugged-in appliance into a fire hazard.

• Water damage prevention — Certain appliances, like washing machines, carry a real risk of slow leaks. A hose failure over several days while you’re on vacation can cause serious, costly damage.

Of course, some things stay on. Your refrigerator, freezer, and home security system need to keep running. But for everything else — here’s your list.

 

The List — 10 APPLIANCES TO UNPLUG:

1. Kitchen Countertop Appliances

Unplug your coffee maker, toaster, electric kettle, microwave, and any other small countertop appliances before you go. These continue to draw electricity even when they’re not running, and they can be a fire risk if something goes wrong while you’re not there. A quick unplug takes five seconds and gives you real peace of mind.

2. TVs and Streaming Devices

Your television, streaming sticks, and smart TV boxes all draw power in standby mode — you can see it in the little lights that never go off. These devices are worth unplugging not just for energy savings, but to protect them from power surges during summer storms. South Florida’s summer storm season is no joke, and a surge can do serious damage to an expensive TV.

3. Cable Boxes and Wi-Fi Routers

Cable boxes run hot and use power around the clock. Unplugging them while you’re away is actually good for the devices — it gives them a reset. Same goes for your Wi-Fi router. If no one is home using it, there’s no reason to leave it running.

4. Desktop Computers and Monitors

A desktop computer that’s plugged in continues to draw energy and is exposed to voltage — even in sleep mode. A power surge can damage hardware and put your data at risk. Unplug your desktop, monitor, and any connected peripherals before you leave.

5. Laptops and Laptop Chargers

If you’re not taking your laptop with you, unplug it. And especially unplug the charger. Chargers left plugged into the wall — even with no device connected — continue to draw power and generate heat. This is a small but real fire risk over an extended trip.

6. All Other Chargers

Phone chargers, tablet chargers, smartwatch chargers, cordless vacuum chargers — unplug them all. This is one of the most overlooked steps on the pre-vacation checklist. Chargers are designed to be unplugged when not in use. Leaving them plugged in adds up over a week or two away.

7. Gaming Consoles

Gaming consoles like PlayStations and Xboxes pull energy whenever they’re plugged in, even in rest mode. They’re also expensive pieces of equipment worth protecting from a surge. Unplug them before you head out — your games will all still be there when you get back.

8. Printers and Home Office Equipment

Printers, scanners, and other home office equipment stay plugged in more than they need to be. If you’re heading out for a week or more, unplug everything in your home office area that doesn’t need to run while you’re gone.

9. Small Bathroom Appliances

Hair dryers, electric toothbrush chargers, curling irons, and electric shavers — these often get left behind and forgotten. Make a habit of scanning your bathroom before you leave and unplugging everything on the wall.

 

10. Washing Machine and Dryer

This one surprises people. Your washing machine in particular carries a real risk of a slow leak or hose failure. If that happens while you’re on a 10-day cruise, you could come home to significant water damage. Unplugging the washer and dryer before an extended trip is a simple step that smart homeowners don’t skip.

 

I’ve put together a free interactive checklist you can download straight to your phone —
just tap the image above. Run through it before every trip and never leave wondering if you forgot something.

 

A FEW MORE HOME SAFETY TIPS BEFORE YOU GO

“I enjoy helping buyers find a home they truly love,” says Dean Kwiatkoski, “and even more knowing they’re protecting it. Taking care of your home — even when you’re not there — is part of being a smart homeowner.”

A few extra steps worth doing before you leave:

• Set your thermostat — Don’t turn the AC completely off during a South Florida summer. Set it to around 78–80°F to prevent mold and humidity damage.

• Ask a neighbor or trusted friend to check in — Having someone swing by every couple of days gives you an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

• Use surge protectors for appliances that must stay on — Your refrigerator and security system deserve the protection.

 

THINKING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING IN SOUTH FLORIDA? LET’S TALK.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a move-up buyer, or a homeowner who just wants a trusted local expert in your corner — I enjoy helping people navigate South Florida real estate with confidence.

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a real conversation.

If you want a partner to strategize with … whether buying or selling your home, let’s book a discovery call. I’m happy to answer all of your Real Estate Questions Big or Small — never any obligation.

 

📞 561-948-3480

📧 dean@deanksellshomes.com

🌎 www.deanksellshomes.com

📖 Read more of my blogs: https://www.deanksellshomes.com/our-blog/

 

Dean Kwiatkoski
Realtor | Local Expert
Signature International Real Estate

 

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