5 Appliances You Should Always Unplug Before Going on Vacation to Avoid Wasting Energy and Risking Damage

The vacation you’ve been looking forward to is finally just around the corner, and the last thing you want while you’re away is to be worrying about your home appliances. We’ve all had that moment – pulling out of the driveway only to wonder if the oven is definitely off, or if something has been left running in the bathroom.

Leaving appliances switched on is a common source of anxiety, but what many people don’t realise is that there are several household items you don’t need to leave plugged in at all while you’re on holiday. In fact, there are key items you should always unplug before leaving the house, whether they’re on or off, to reduce risk and unnecessary energy use.

Beyond peace of mind, taking a few minutes to switch things off properly can also help improve your home's EPC rating by reducing standby energy consumption over time.

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To help bring some reassurance before you travel, we spoke to electricians and appliance experts about what should always be switched off and unplugged before a trip away. Here’s what they recommend.

1. Wi-Fi-Connected Devices And Hubs

Devices like Wi-Fi routers, game consoles, and smart home systems don’t need to stay plugged in while you’re away. While the risk of hazard is low, they can still quietly add to your energy bill over time.

‘I would consider unplugging Wi-Fi-enabled devices if I’m going on holiday, or at the very least switching off or disabling their connectivity features,’ says Bill Gilbert, Technical Writer and Resident Appliance Expert at iFixit.

Most appliances draw less than a watt in standby mode, but over the course of a longer vacation, even these small amounts of phantom energy use can add up. If you'd rather not unplug everything individually, the Amazon Smart Plug is an easy alternative. Compatible with Alexa, it lets you remotely switch devices off or create schedules so they automatically power down while you're away, helping reduce standby energy use with minimal effort.

If you're managing multiple devices, the Amazon Basics Smart Plug Power Strip makes it easy to control and schedule several appliances at once, helping reduce standby energy use while you're away.

2. Battery Chargers

It may be tempting to leave chargers plugged in, but experts caution against it – particularly when lithium-ion batteries are involved.

‘I would avoid leaving lithium-ion devices charging unattended for extended periods or while away from home, as thermal runaway – although rare – can occur if a fault develops during charging,’ says Thomas Opsomer, iFixit’s Repair Policy Lead.

Instead, fully charge devices before you leave and unplug chargers at the socket, or arrange for someone to periodically check anything that requires charging while you’re away.

3. Countertop Appliances And Non-Essentials

Coffee machines, toasters, hair tools, and other countertop appliances don’t need to remain plugged in while you’re away. Even when the risk is low, unplugging them removes any residual uncertainty. If you prefer a more seamless setup, a smart option like the Cync Smart Indoor Plug from Amazon can also help you switch devices off remotely before you leave.

‘Voltage spikes or power surges can still damage connected appliances, even if they’re switched off at the unit, before a breaker has time to respond,’ says Paul Karandos, Luxury Appliance Specialist at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center. ‘While many modern appliances include internal safeguards and automatic shut-off features, best practice is still to disconnect them at the socket when not in use for extended periods.’

It’s also a simple way to remove that lingering 'did I switch everything off?' feeling before you leave the house.

4. Heat-Producing Appliances And Electronics

Anything that generates heat – or remains warm on standby – should be unplugged before you go. Devices that feel even slightly warm when left connected are still drawing power, which can add unnecessary load and, over long periods, increase wear on internal components.

Fans, purifiers, lamps, consoles, large computers, and tumble dryers all fall into this category, and switching them off at the socket is a simple way to reduce risk and eliminate standby energy use while you’re away.

5. Older Or Well-Used Appliances

Older appliances naturally come with more wear and tear, which can increase risk over time. In homes that haven’t been recently rewired or updated to current electrical standards, there can also be a higher likelihood of electrical issues developing, particularly when systems are under load or left unattended for long periods. The same applies to older appliances, which may not have the same safety features as newer models.

For extended trips, a more comprehensive approach – such as switching off breakers to non-essential areas of the home where appropriate – can further reduce risk while also cutting down unnecessary energy use.

Shop Smart Plugs and Timers

Before you head off, take a final walk through your home to ensure everything is properly switched off and unplugged. Even small steps – like removing standby devices from sockets – can make a big difference to peace of mind. And remember: half-inserted plugs are a risk not worth taking.

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