Heading out for a week or two should feel simple. The trick is getting your home ready so small electrical hiccups don’t turn into big problems. A little prep around surge protection, HVAC settings, and everyday devices goes a long way when no one is home to notice a warning light.
Power surges are quick, invisible spikes that can fry circuit boards and shorten the life of appliances.
They show up after storms, grid switching, or even from large motors cycling on a neighbor’s property. Think about what’s plugged in and unguarded if you’re away - and how you’ll feel if the TV or fridge doesn’t power back on.
A whole-home protector at the service panel is your main shield, and it works alongside quality point-of-use strips. If you’re scheduling electrical work, A1 Plus Electrical says you should install a panel-mounted device and check your grounding, then you can add plug-in protectors where you need them most. Layering protection reduces the odds that a single surge takes out expensive gear.
A recent overview from the Insurance Information Institute noted that lightning-related insurance claims fell to about 55,500 in 2024, with total losses still topping $1.04 billion - reminding us that even when claim counts drop, the costs per incident stay high.
That’s a clear case for strong protection when no one is home to unplug things.
Whole-home suppressors clamp big spikes near your main breaker, helping protect every circuit.
They don’t replace good grounding or bonding, but they give your system a strong first line of defense. Installations are compact and typically paired with proper breakers so they can be serviced safely.
Plug-in surge strips are the second layer. Use them for electronics with sensitive power supplies like TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and desktop PCs.
Look for a joule rating that fits your gear, plus status lights that tell you the strip is still protective. If that light is out, the strip needs replacement.
Unplug what isn’t important to daily home operation. TVs, soundbars, gaming consoles, spare chargers, and small countertop appliances can all come off the wall. Fewer connected devices means fewer targets for surges and less phantom load drawing power, and you’re gone.
Some items should stay powered for safety or maintenance. Your fridge, security cameras, sump pump, and important networking gear typically need to remain on.
A recent article highlighted how electrical fires cause hundreds of deaths, more than 1,200 injuries, and about $1.6 billion in property damage each year in the U.S., which makes a strong case for removing non-essential plug loads before you lock the door.
Set your thermostat to an efficient away temperature rather than shutting systems off. In winter, never turn the heat fully off. Keeping the home reasonably warm helps protect pipes and prevents humidity swings that can stress finishes and electronics.
Use the thermostat’s scheduling or away mode to hold a steady setpoint. Many systems allow remote checks, so you can confirm the home is stable.
If you have a heat pump, verify the minimum temperature that avoids triggering expensive electric resistance backup.
Storms can bring both surges and outages. Whole-home protection helps with spikes, and a quality UPS can give routers and desktop computers a safe shutdown window during a blackout.
Label the UPS with the date you installed it, then plan to swap batteries every 3 to 5 years.
National weather tallies from 2024 recorded dozens of lightning fatalities and injuries along with tens of millions of dollars in property damage, underscoring why surge defense and safe shutoff practices matter during storm season.
If your area is storm-prone, consider adding a protector at any outbuildings or detached garages fed from your main panel.
Small leaks become big problems when no one is home to catch them. Close washing machine supply valves, check under sinks, and consider smart leak sensors in the usual spots.
If your water heater has a vacation mode, allow it to reduce standby energy and maintain safe operation.
Network stability keeps cameras and sensors online. Place your modem and router on a UPS to ride through short outages, and use a surge protector rated for networking gear. Before you leave, confirm your apps can reach cameras and smart plugs, and that notifications are allowed.
Turn this routine into a 10-minute sweep so nothing gets missed. A short list makes it easy to hand off if a neighbor is helping.
Do a final lap to make sure only the important ones are powered. If you spot a device you rarely use, unplug it and leave a sticky note on the plug so you remember to reconnect it when you return. A quiet house is easier to protect, and it uses less energy.
Leaving home should feel relaxed, not rushed. With layered surge protection, smart thermostat settings, and a quick checklist, you’ll step onto the driveway knowing your gear is shielded and your systems are stable. Enjoy the trip - the house will be ready when you are back.
