What to turn off in the apartment before leaving: a simple checklist for vacation

Before vacation, most people check documents, tickets and suitcases, but forget about the apartment. Meanwhile, a few minutes before leaving can protect equipment from power surges, reduce energy consumption and help avoid unpleasant surprises such as a leaking washing machine or a switched-on boiler.

There is no need to turn off absolutely everything. The refrigerator, alarm or cameras may remain on. But it’s really better to unplug some appliances or turn them off automatically on the electrical panel, especially if the apartment will be empty for a week or more.

1. TVs, game consoles and desktop computers

TVs, consoles, monitors, set-top boxes and desktop computers continue to consume small amounts of power while in standby mode. Additionally, sensitive electronics may be damaged by a power surge.

Before a trip, it is better to disconnect them not only with a button, but also from the outlet or surge protector. This is especially true for old TVs, set-top boxes, routers, media players and devices connected to an antenna.

2. Chargers and extension cords

Chargers for phones, tablets, watches and headphones usually use a little power, but leaving them plugged in unnecessarily is pointless. Cheap adapters, old cables and overloaded tees can become weak points in your home electrical system.

Before leaving, you should remove the chargers from the sockets and check whether extension cords with multiple devices are still plugged in. Electrical technicians also advise not to overload outlets and regularly inspect cables for damage.

3. Laptops, power banks and devices with lithium batteries

It is better not to leave laptops, tablets, external batteries, electric scooters, cordless vacuum cleaners and other devices with lithium-ion batteries charging unattended for several days.

It is especially important to disconnect devices with a damaged case, overheating battery, non-original power supply or old cable from charging. For charging, you should use equipment recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons and electric shavers

Hair dryers, hair straighteners, curling irons, electric razors and other small personal care devices should be turned off whenever they are not in use. Automatic shutdown is useful, but you shouldn’t count on it as a last line of defense.

Professional electrical safety guidelines specifically advise turning off small appliances, including hair dryers, razors, curling irons and irons.

5. Coffee machine, air fryer, toaster, blender and multicooker

Kitchen appliances are often left plugged in simply out of habit. The coffee machine maintains a clock and standby mode, the air fryer waits for the next dish, and the toaster probably makes plans of its own. It’s better to turn all this off before going on vacation.

Special attention It is worth paying attention to coffee machines, deep fryers, air fryers, toasters, blenders, multicookers and electric grills. It is recommended that small kitchen appliances be unplugged when not in use.

6. Microwave

The microwave typically uses little power even in standby mode to maintain the clock and display. If the outlet is accessible, you can turn it off. If not, it is permissible to turn off the corresponding line on the panel, but only if you understand exactly what the machine is responsible for.

7. Electric boiler

It is better to turn off the boiler separately. Before leaving, it is advisable to turn it off not only with a button, but also with an automatic switch on the electrical panel. This is especially important if the apartment will be empty for a long time.

A boiler left on unnecessarily not only wastes electricity, but also creates an extra load on the equipment. If the water heater has not been serviced for a long time, before a long absence it is better not to test its temper and turn it off.

8. Washing machine and dishwasher

These devices should not only be unplugged from the outlet, but also shut off the water supply. Hoses, connections and valves can leak even in working equipment. In an empty apartment, a small leak in a few days can become a problem not only for the owner, but also for the neighbors on the floor below.

Before leaving, make sure there is no water inside the machine, the door is slightly open to dry, and the water tap is closed.

9. Air conditioning

If there is no need to maintain a certain temperature in the apartment, it is better to turn off the air conditioner before vacation. This is especially smart for older models, which may use more power during standby or after power outages.

Smart inverter models can be left connected if the owner uses remote control or temperature control. But if you are away for a long time, it is safer to turn off the power through a separate circuit breaker or switch provided for the air conditioner.

10. Old extension cords and questionable surge protectors

Before leaving, it is useful to inspect extension cords, tees and surge protectors. Do not leave live devices with a cracked case, hot plug, darkened contacts or damaged cable.

Also, you should not connect powerful devices to cheap extension cords and overloaded tees. This applies primarily to heaters, air conditioners, boilers and powerful kitchen appliances. Electrical safety experts specifically warn that fans and heaters should not be connected through extension cords or surge protectors. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Which is better to leave on?

Not all devices need to be turned off. If the trip is short, The refrigerator and freezer are usually left running. However, it is worth removing perishable foods in advance, checking that the door is closed tightly, and not leaving food inside that could spoil if there is a possible power outage.

Alarms, cameras, intercoms, leakage sensors, smart locks and smart home systems are also usually left turned on. If such devices are important for apartment control, it is useful to connect them through a high-quality surge protector, uninterruptible power supply or surge protection.

Check the electrical panel

Before leaving for a long time, it is useful to make sure that the RCD or differential switch is working properly in the apartment, and that the circuit breakers are not knocked out for no reason. If the machine regularly turns off, there is a heating smell, sparking, humming, or the sockets become noticeably hot, it is better not to put off calling an electrician.

In rooms where water and electrical appliances are nearby, protection against current leakage is especially important: this applies to the kitchen, bathroom, balcony, garage and outdoor sockets.

A short checklist before leaving

Before closing the door, check:

• Are chargers, TVs, set-top boxes, computers and small kitchen appliances turned off?
• is the boiler turned off?
• whether the power bank, electric scooter, laptop and other devices with lithium batteries are disconnected from charging;
• is the water supply to the washing machine and dishwasher turned off?
• whether the air conditioner is turned off if it is not needed;
• whether windows, balcony doors and shutters are closed;
• whether only the refrigerator, alarm system, cameras and really necessary devices are left working.

A few minutes of checking does not guarantee that the equipment will not suddenly decide to create a drama without its owners. But they significantly reduce the risk of unnecessary expenses, breakdowns, leaks and an unpleasant return from vacation.

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