Why You Should Unplug Your Washer And Dryer Before Leaving For Vacation

It's much easier, and more fun, to focus on planning and making preparations for your upcoming trip rather than thinking about securing your home while you're gone. But securing your home and making sure the right appliances are unplugged, like your washer and dryer, is equally important. This simple yet frequently neglected action can not only prevent potential hazards and save energy, but extend the overall lifespan of your appliances and give you peace of mind while you're on vacation.

Leaving your washer and dryer plugged in while you're on vacation leaves your home at risk for potential fires and water damage. Dryers with built-up lint in their vents are especially hazardous and can possibly ignite. This can happen whether you're home or not, but it could be detrimental to your home if you aren't there to extinguish it. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), dryers are a primary cause of thousands of home fires every year. And while your washers may not pose a fire risk, they can malfunction, causing water leaks, and may lead to permanent water damage. 

Unplugging these machines can further protect your washer and dryer and their electrical components by reducing their chance of being exposed to power surges. Power surges are often caused by lightning strikes, power outages, or faulty electrical equipment, and can significantly damage your appliances. It's usually costly to repair them and, depending on the extent of the damage, you might have to consider buying a new washer and dryer altogether. This is not the ideal situation to come home to from an enjoyable vacation. 

Like most homeowners, you want your washer and dryer to last as long as possible. The good news is that unplugging them before you leave on vacation can help lower your electricity bill and may expand their lifespan. When your appliances are constantly plugged in, they're drawing energy from the electric currents. Digital washers and dryers are especially guilty for consuming excess energy, as many of them have clocks and displays that continuously consume power. You could even unplug them during the days you aren't using them. But that might be a little bit of a hassle if the plugs are hard to get to. Simply unplugging your washing machine and dryer can limit exposure to electrical stress, helping retain their integrity and saving you money.

Along with your washer and dryer, it might also be wise to unplug other household appliances to save on energy and further prevent potential hazards while you're on vacation. Small kitchen appliances like toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers can use energy even when they're off and may also be a fire hazard when left plugged in for long periods. You can also unplug your entertainment devices like TVs, gaming consoles, and computers to continue preserving energy and preventing possible damage from unaccounted for power surges. By taking the right precautions while you're on vacation like unplugging your washer, dryer, and other appliances will not only safeguard your home, but make it more energy efficient too. There's nothing like having complete peace of mind about the overall safety of your home while you're away.