Vacation Ready: The Household Items You Should Always Unplug

Unplugging isn’t just busywork. Here’s what to unplug, what to leave in, and the real reasons why.

You’ve got your bags packed, your out-of-office email turned on, and the pet sitter all squared away. But just before you head out the door, here’s a question worth asking: what’s still plugged in around your house?

Unplugging appliances before vacation might feel like one of those optional chores you can skip. And hey, most of the time, you’d be right. Most folks leave home without unplugging a thing and return to find everything just as they left it. But if taking five extra minutes to unplug a few key items can save you from a fire, a fried device, or an inflated electric bill—why not?

Here’s a room-by-room guide to help you figure out what can stay in, what should come out, and why it matters.

In the Kitchen

Let’s start with the most appliance-packed room in the house.

Countertop appliances like toasters, air fryers, electric kettles, coffee makers, and microwaves should be unplugged before you leave. Not only do many of these have heating elements that could pose a risk if there’s a malfunction, but they also use standby power even when they’re off. That little clock on your microwave? Yep, it’s still sipping electricity. And anything with grease buildup or crumbs sitting near a heat source is one power surge away from becoming a hazard.

Now, your refrigerator should stay plugged in unless you’re planning to be away for more than a month and have time to empty and clean it out. For shorter trips, just make sure it’s at least half full (water jugs work in a pinch) so it doesn’t have to work as hard to stay cool.

Living Room + Office Area

Entertainment centers are sneaky energy vampires. Your TV, streaming box, game consoles, and even cable boxes all draw power even when they’re powered off. And while the cost adds up over time, the bigger concern here is protecting your pricey electronics from power surges while you're not around. Lightning strikes or grid fluctuations can do a real number on your home theater setup if it’s still connected.

Before heading out, unplug everything you can in this area. If they’re all on one power strip, even better—just flip the switch.

Same goes for computers and accessories. Unplug desktops, laptops, printers, and anything else with a battery or sensitive circuit board. If you’re someone who’s got backups running, make sure they’re finished, then go ahead and unplug.

Courtesy of Brayear Rodriguez.

And if you’re still on the fence? Just imagine returning from a relaxing trip to find your hard drive fried by a surge. That mental image is usually enough motivation to reach for the plug.

Bedroom + Bathroom

Here’s where some of the most common fire hazards live: hair styling tools. Whether it’s a curling iron, flat iron, or hair dryer, these should always be unplugged when not in use—and especially before a trip. A single damaged wire or faulty switch can lead to smoldering parts even when the device is off.

Battery chargers, especially for lithium-ion devices (think: cordless vacuums, electric toothbrushes, camera batteries), should also be removed from outlets. These can pose a fire risk if left charging for too long or if they’re damaged in any way. One of the most frequent causes of battery-related fires is unattended overcharging, so err on the safe side.

Nightstand lamps and alarm clocks? Up to you. They don’t pose a major risk, but unplugging them can still reduce phantom energy use.

Utility Room or Laundry Area

This one surprises people: your washer and dryer should be unplugged too. Dryers, in particular, are one of the leading sources of appliance-related fires. If you're leaving for more than a few days, it’s worth the extra 30 seconds to reach behind and unplug them. Lint buildup inside dryers is no joke—combine that with a random power surge and things can go downhill fast.

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And if you really want to go the extra mile, you can even turn off the water supply to the washer. It’s not a bad habit—especially if your washer hoses are older or you’ve had a leak before. A cracked hose while you're out of town can go from minor annoyance to major water damage in no time.

Water heater? No need to unplug entirely. Most modern models have a "vacation" or "low" setting, which keeps them operating efficiently without turning them off altogether.

The Essentials to Leave Plugged In

Not everything should be unplugged. Your refrigerator (as mentioned) stays. So do your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and any home security systems. If you use smart home features like thermostats, lights, or cameras, your Wi-Fi router and modem also need to stay powered on. That connectivity can make all the difference if something goes wrong and you need a heads-up. Plus, if your router's online, it's one way to verify whether your home's still got power at all.

If you have a sump pump or a radon abatement system, those are non-negotiable. They need to stay running while you're away, period.

Bonus Tip: Skip the Breaker Panel

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Some people prefer to flip circuit breakers instead of unplugging items room by room, but this comes with risks. Unless you’re absolutely sure what’s on each circuit, you could end up turning off something essential, like your fridge or sump pump. Plenty of breaker panels are mislabeled or include hidden connections you’d never guess. Better to be precise than sorry.

At the end of the day, unplugging before vacation is about prevention, not paranoia. Your home likely won’t burst into flames because you left your toaster plugged in—but why take the chance? Plus, it’s a small step that saves energy, protects your electronics, and gives you a little extra peace of mind while you’re away.

And once you’re home again, plugging everything back in will feel like a gentle re-entry. Welcome back!

If something doesn’t power on quite the way it used to—or worse, if you return to an appliance that’s acting up—our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. From troubleshooting strange behavior to handling post-vacation surprises, we’re just a call away. Safe travels, and know we’ve got your back when you get home. 

A Trusted Label in Jeopardy: The Fight to Save Energy Star

This simple, voluntary label has helped millions—so why is it on the chopping block?

If you’ve ever shopped for a new fridge, dishwasher, or even a box of lightbulbs, you’ve probably seen that familiar little blue label: Energy Star. Quietly tucked into the corners of packaging and stats pages, it's a beacon. It has been helping people make smarter energy choices since the early ’90s. No pressure, no mandates—just a gentle nudge toward products that use less power and save you money.

Now, after over 30 years of proven impact, that helpful label is in danger of disappearing.

The Energy Star program is facing a growing push for elimination. It is part of a broader shift in federal climate and energy policy under the current Administration. While  hasn’t been officially ended—yet— the warning signs are blinking. If it goes, the effects will ripple through households, businesses, and even local building codes.

So how did we get here? What did Energy Star actually do? And what happens if it’s gone?

Let’s break it down.

Why Was the Energy Star Program Started?

The Energy Star program launched in 1992, born out of a simple but powerful idea: what if the federal government made it easier for people to choose appliances and electronics that used less energy?

It was started under President George H. W. Bush as a collaborative effort between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and later, the Department of Energy. At its core, the program was designed to test, certify, and label products that met high standards for energy efficiency. Products that earned the Energy Star label had to pass third-party certification and ongoing post-market testing to make sure they truly delivered on their promises.

But Energy Star didn’t stop at appliances. Over the years, the label expanded to cover homes, commercial buildings, and industrial plants. The program even helped shape local building codes and tax incentives—making energy efficiency not just an individual choice, but a widespread cultural standard.

And perhaps most importantly: participation in the program was always voluntary. Manufacturers could opt in. Consumers could decide whether or not to buy Energy Star–certified products. The only requirement? Perform well enough to earn the label.

The Energy Star program has long been one of the federal government’s most popular and effective voluntary initiatives. 

What Did the Energy Star Program Achieve?

The results speak for themselves. According to the EPA’s 2024 report, Energy Star has helped Americans save more than five trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity since it began. That’s the equivalent of preventing four billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions—an environmental impact hard to ignore.

But the program’s benefits weren’t just green; they were financial, too. A typical household saves about $450 a year on energy costs simply by choosing Energy Star–labeled appliances. Every year, more than $100 billion worth of certified products are sold. And for every dollar the EPA spent on the program, it spurred $230 in private investment in energy-saving infrastructure and services.

With over 89% of American households recognizing the label, Energy Star became one of the most trusted symbols on store shelves. It helped level the playing field for consumers trying to make better choices—and gave manufacturers a reason to push for more efficient design.

In the words of the EPA, it’s “one of the most successful voluntary U.S. government programs in history.”

Has the Energy Star Program Actually Been Ended?

Not yet—but it’s under real threat.

In April 2024, media reports began circulating that the EPA, now under the second Trump administration, planned to dismantle the Energy Star program. This sparked swift backlash. Over 1,000 companies and organizations signed a letter urging the agency to keep the program, citing its effectiveness, affordability, and popularity.

Lawmakers from both parties have also weighed in. A group of 22 senators, including Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar, and John Fetterman, sent a May 20 letter stating that the program is protected under the Energy Policy Act of 2005—meaning it cannot be legally shut down without Congressional approval.

So, no—the program hasn’t officially been ended. But behind the scenes, the groundwork for its elimination is being laid.

Why Is the Energy Star Program Under Threat?

According to statements from inside the EPA, programs like Energy Star are being “de-prioritized and eliminated” as part of a broader rollback of federal climate protections. That includes executive orders discouraging wind energy expansion, lawsuits aimed at state-level climate initiatives, and a general focus on fossil fuel development over emissions reductions.

In this political climate, even programs that align with cost-saving goals and industry support are on the chopping block.

Critics of the move—ranging from bipartisan lawmakers to energy nonprofits—point out that scrapping Energy Star makes little fiscal sense. The program costs only $32 million a year to run but saves more than $40 billion annually in consumer energy bills.

If the concern is government overreach, it’s worth remembering: Energy Star is voluntary. No one is forced to participate. It simply makes energy-efficient choices easier and more visible.

So why is it being targeted? The answer may be less about the program itself and more about an overarching strategy to dismantle anything linked to climate policy—regardless of its popularity or effectiveness.

What Are We Going to Do Now?

If Energy Star disappears, there will be ripple effects.

Consumers will lose a reliable, trusted label that helps them make informed purchases. Manufacturers will face a confusing patchwork of state-level standards. And utilities, cities, and green building initiatives will lose a central benchmark they’ve built policy around.

There are other certifications—LEED for buildings, or product specs from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency—but none are as widespread or federally backed. Most importantly, none are as easy for everyday people to recognize and trust.

Energy experts say it’s likely some form of replacement will emerge—but it may take time. And it probably won’t have the same national reach or impact.

If you care about saving money, reducing waste, or simply being able to find reliable information about what your appliances are doing behind the scenes, this is a moment to pay attention.

Whether or not you’ve ever paused to notice that little blue label on your washing machine or lightbulbs, chances are it’s already saved you money. Energy Star has quietly made American homes more efficient for decades—without fanfare, mandates, or complicated rules.

Losing it would mean more than just one less logo. It would mark the loss of a smart, simple system that worked.

Let’s hope it’s not too late to keep the lights on.

If you'd like to arrange an appointment with us, you can reach out via our contact page or by giving us a call. Appliance Rescue Service is always here to keep your home appliances maintained and running smoothly.

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Pre-Vacation Appliance Prep: Protect Your Home While You’re Away

Avoid Returning to a Mess: Easy Pre-Travel Appliance Prep

The end of summer is almost here, but there’s still plenty of time for a quick vacation if you’re dying to get out of the heat. While you’re away enjoying cooler weather (or maybe an island, we don’t know what you prefer) your house still is here. Unless we’re going away for months, we tend to leave our homes connected to water and electricity, gas and internet.  All of this is to say that while you’re gone, your home continues on as it normally does. What about your appliances though? We’ve all heard horror stories about people going away on vacation only to come back to a fridge full of mold and slime, or a flooded laundry room. How do you protect against those sorts of things? 

The answer is that like may things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We’ll walk you through everything you’ll need to check on or adjust in  the week before you head on vacation to ensure you come back to a house as perfect as you left it. 

Simple Steps To Start You Off

Unplug Small Appliances - 

Small appliances like your toaster oven, your instant pot, your coffee maker, they all eat up energy whether they're in use or not. If they're there using them every day this makes sense to keep them plugged in. But while you're gone why not save a few bucks on your electric bill? 

Equally important although rare, these can cause fire if left unattended.

Turn Off Your Water Supply 

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This solves several different problems at once, although we're not saying that you should go to your water main and turn that off. This can be a hassle, and not something you’ll want to deal with right after returning from vacation. Instead turn off the water supply at the different appliances especially your dishwasher and washing machine. If either were to get a cracked line while you're gone you can come home to water damage or flooding depending on how long you're gone for.

 

Don’t Turn Off Your AC 

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Unlike with your appliances, you don’t want to turn off your ac. The reason is mold and mildew, and heat damage around the home. With your home heating and cooling in accordance to the temperatures, it can easily get warm enough to allow mold and mildew to begin growing while you’re gone. Additionally, anything around the house that is temperature sensitive can be damaged. A few quick examples include medicines, cleaning products, and your spices. Instead, set it to around 80* while you’re gone to use less energy, but not risk anything becoming damaged while you’re gone. 

Time to Tackle Your Major Appliances 

Run The Dishwasher

Running the dishwasher before you go kills two birds with one stone. One, you’re not going to come back to a sink of moldy or sentient dishes, and two, if you leave the dishwasher door open after running and emptying it, the dishwasher itself won’t smell musty. You also want to make sure that it is completely drained before you leave. Unwanted guests love stagnant water, and yes we're talking about bugs and mosquitoes.

Washing Machine

Many travel lists will tell you to do laundry before you leave home. We feel that this is an unnecessary step if you don't need to already do laundry. However whether you do laundry or not you do need to leave the washing machine door open. Just like with your dishwasher you don't want it to develop a musty smell while you're gone. 

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Additionally, you want to make sure to inspect all hoses for any blisters, bulges, cracks, or leaks. Taking the time to do this now means you can spot problems before they grow into something much larger. 

Dryer 

Take a minute to clean out the trap and you’ll be good to do as much laundry as is needed on your return. Since it won't be running while you're gone, there's little to worry about with this one.

Oven and Stove

Whether gas or electric, these are the easiest to handle prior to going on vacation. 

You don’t need to unplug it, or turn off the gas, just make sure that all burners are off before you leave. Other than that, the only rthing you’ll need to worry about is cleaning up any residue or burnt food before you leave, to avoid attracting any unwanted pests. 

Water Heater

Although not an appliance, we do recommend turning down or even powering off, your water heater, as one more way to cut down on bills while you’re away. 

Finally, Check Smoke Detectors And Carbon Monoxide Alarms 

Ensure that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning correctly before you leave. Replace batteries if necessary to guarantee your home’s safety in your absence. 

Courtesy of Rudy and Peter Skitterians

Now that you’ve taken all the right steps to protect your home while you’re soaking up the sun or savoring cooler breezes, there’s just one more thing to check off your list. Before you head out, make sure your appliances are in top shape with a quick inspection from our expert technicians at Appliance Rescue Service. Whether it's checking for potential issues or giving your appliances a little extra care, our team is here to help ensure everything runs smoothly while you’re away.

Don’t leave it to chance—schedule an appointment today by giving us a call or visiting our website. That way, you can truly relax on your vacation, knowing your home is in good hands. Safe travels, and we’ll see you when you get back!

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Call ((214) 599-0055) 

Additional Reading
Appliance Deep Dive Round Up 

Why Is My Refrigerator Making Weird Noises!?

Taking the Pain Out Of Melted Plastic