Should I?Reviewed: 2025-12-27~1 min

Should I unplug appliances during extended vacations to cut phantom energy?

Short answer

⚠️Depends / use caution

It depends — on which devices you rely on while away, the trip length, and whether you need remote access or safety functions to stay online.

Why people ask this

When you’ll be gone for an extended vacation, phantom energy from idle devices can feel like wasted money. At the same time, some equipment needs to stay powered for home safety, security, or remote monitoring. People want to know which plugs are safe to pull for two-plus weeks, which should remain on for things like smart security or leak sensors, and what saves the most for the least hassle.

When it might be safe

Unplug small, non-essential plug-in loads with standby draw (phone/tablet chargers, coffee makers, toasters, microwaves with clocks, game consoles/controllers, printers) — these can save a few dollars over multi-week trips.
Use switched power strips to cut power to TV/AV peripherals (streaming sticks, soundbars, subwoofers) while leaving the main TV or network gear powered if needed.
Unplug spare mini-fridges, wine coolers, and decorative lighting when they’re empty or not required during a 2–6 week absence.

When it is not safe

Don’t unplug critical systems needed while away: sump pumps, dehumidifiers in damp basements, medical devices, or aquarium equipment.
Avoid cutting power to your modem/router if you rely on smart thermostats, security cameras/alarms, or leak detectors for remote alerts.
Don’t unplug a stocked refrigerator/freezer; if you must empty it, fully defrost, clean, prop the door open, and leave it off at the breaker.
Avoid flipping random breakers that may also kill smoke detectors, security systems, or exterior lighting timers you need during the trip.

Possible risks

Unplugging network gear can disable remote monitoring (security cams, leak sensors, smart thermostat), delaying your response to issues while you’re away.
Powering off climate-control or dehumidification in humid or cold seasons can lead to mold growth or, in winter, frozen pipes.
Leaving high-standby AV clusters, cable boxes, or gaming consoles powered for weeks wastes energy and can generate unnecessary heat.
Shutting off a loaded fridge/freezer risks food spoilage and odors; leaving an empty one on wastes energy if not needed.
Turning off the wrong circuit can disable exterior lights that deter break-ins during an extended absence.

Safer alternatives

Targeted approach: unplug small countertop appliances and chargers, and use a switched strip for AV peripherals; keep fridge, network, and safety-critical devices powered.
Use smart plugs to schedule off/on for lamps and entertainment gear, while maintaining router and security systems for presence simulation and alerts.
Set HVAC/thermostat to vacation/away mode (not off); use dehumidify or a conservative setpoint to protect the home with minimal energy use.
Put the water heater in vacation mode or lower the setpoint instead of fully powering it down, unless you know safe restart procedures.
Add surge protection (at outlet or whole-home) to protect the few devices you leave on during storm season while you’re away.

Bottom line

It depends: during an extended vacation, unplug obvious phantom loads like chargers, countertop appliances, and AV peripherals, but keep critical systems (fridge if stocked, network/security, sump/dehumidifier, and HVAC in vacation mode) powered. Use smart plugs or switched strips for easy control, and prioritize safety, remote monitoring, and seasonal home protection over small additional savings.