How to prepare your Home before Vacation
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of getting ready for a vacation—booking your flights, planning your activities, packing your bags. But one often-overlooked task that should be at the top of your pre-travel checklist is making sure your home’s electrical systems are safe, secure, and energy-efficient while you’re away.
Whether you’re heading out for a long weekend or a few weeks abroad, preparing your home properly can give you peace of mind and help avoid unnecessary energy costs—or worse, electrical hazards.
As professional electricians serving Langley, BC and surrounding areas, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to prep your home before you hit the road. Let’s explore the top things you should do to keep your home safe, efficient, and stress-free while you’re on vacation.
Why Electrical Prep Matters Before a Vacation
Leaving your home unattended—even for just a few days—can create potential risks, especially when it comes to your electrical system. Here's why it’s worth your time to take precautions:
Fire prevention: Faulty wiring or overheated appliances can cause fires, especially when no one is around to notice warning signs.
Energy savings: Avoid unnecessary power consumption while you’re not home.
Security: Strategic use of lighting can deter break-ins.
Damage prevention: Power surges and storms can harm electronics or cause outages.
By following a few proactive steps, you can protect your investment, save money, and travel with confidence.
1. Unplug Non-Essential Devices and Appliances
Even when they’re off, many electronics continue to draw what's called “phantom” or “standby” power. This adds up on your energy bill and can be a fire hazard if something malfunctions while you're away.
Unplug before you go:
TVs and sound systems
Computers, printers, and routers
Microwaves and countertop appliances
Gaming consoles
Chargers and power adapters
Pro Tip: Use power strips where possible. This makes unplugging multiple devices quick and easy—one switch, and you’re done.
2. Adjust Your Thermostat or HVAC Settings
Langley summers can range from pleasantly warm to surprisingly hot, especially in July and August. If you’re vacationing during the summer, set your HVAC system accordingly to avoid wasting energy.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat:
Set the temperature a few degrees higher than usual (around 26–28°C) to keep humidity down without overcooling.
Use vacation or “eco” mode if your thermostat supports it.
If you don’t have a smart thermostat:
Consider upgrading before your trip. Smart thermostats allow remote control and monitoring, and many qualify for energy rebates in BC.
3. Turn Off or Program Lights Strategically
You don’t need to leave every light on to deter burglars—doing so can actually signal that no one is home. Instead, install timers or use smart lighting systems to turn lights on and off automatically at realistic intervals.
Good lighting areas to program:
Porch and exterior entryway lights
Hallway or living room lamps
Garage lights (if visible from the street)
Bonus Tip: Consider motion-sensor lighting for the backyard or driveway. It’s energy-efficient and a strong deterrent for unwanted visitors.
4. Shut Off the Main Water Supply (and Consider the Water Heater)
While this is more of a plumbing tip, it goes hand-in-hand with your electrical prep—especially if your water heater is electric.
Turn off the water to prevent leaks or flooding while you're away.
Switch your water heater to vacation mode or turn it off entirely (if electric), depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation. This prevents it from cycling unnecessarily and wasting energy.
5. Empty and Prep Your Refrigerator (or Not)
Depending on how long you’ll be away, you have two options:
If you're gone for less than two weeks:
Remove any perishable items.
Adjust the thermostat to a slightly higher setting (e.g., from 3°C to 5°C).
Ensure the door is tightly sealed and clean the coils beforehand to improve efficiency.
If you're gone for longer:
Consider emptying, unplugging, and propping the fridge door open.
Be sure to turn off the breaker to avoid energy usage and mold buildup.
6. Secure Your Electrical Panel
While you likely don’t need to shut off your entire electrical system, some homeowners prefer to flip off individual breakers for non-essential circuits such as:
The oven/stove
Washer and dryer
Garage door opener (unless needed for access)
Unused guest rooms
Important: Never turn off the breaker for your fridge (unless it’s fully emptied), security system, or any smart home hubs you intend to monitor remotely.
7. Inspect for Fire Hazards Before You Go
Before you head out, do a quick walkthrough to check for common risks:
Are cords tucked safely away and not pinched under furniture?
Are outlets overloaded or warm to the touch?
Is your smoke detector functioning and up-to-date?
Do you have GFCIs in all wet areas (kitchen, bathroom, exterior)?
If anything seems off, call a licensed electrician before your trip. It’s better to address small problems now than return to a big one later.
8. Consider Installing a Whole-Home Surge Protector
A powerful thunderstorm or grid issue while you're away can damage electronics—even if many are unplugged. A whole-home surge protector, installed at your panel, can defend your entire electrical system.
In Langley and the Fraser Valley, summer storms are rare but not unheard of. Lightning strikes, transformer issues, or grid switching can all cause unexpected surges.
Bonus: Surge protectors can help extend the life of your electronics and HVAC equipment, even when you're home.
9. Test Security Systems and Cameras
If you rely on smart home security, make sure it’s functioning properly:
Test motion detectors, cameras, and sensors.
Check Wi-Fi connections and battery backups.
Confirm that alerts are being sent to your phone or email.
Ensure your electrical panel isn’t set to shut off power to routers or cameras.
10. Schedule a Pre-Vacation Home Safety Inspection
If you’re going away for more than a few weeks—or if you live in an older home—consider a professional inspection.
A licensed electrician can:
Ensure your panel is safe and up to code
Identify any wiring issues or overloaded circuits
Check smoke and CO detectors
Make recommendations to improve energy efficiency
Many Langley-area electricians offer these inspections at a flat rate or as part of seasonal maintenance plans.
11. Notify a Trusted Neighbor or Friend
Even with your electrical system locked down, it’s always smart to have a human backup plan. Let someone nearby know:
How to contact you
Where your breaker panel is
What appliances or systems (if any) were shut off
You can also ask them to do a quick visual check while you're away to make sure everything looks normal.
Final Checklist: Vacation Electrical Prep
Before you lock the door, double-check these items:
✅ Unplug non-essential devices
✅ Adjust your thermostat or HVAC
✅ Set smart lights or timers
✅ Shut off water and prep your water heater
✅ Clean out the fridge (and turn it off if necessary)
✅ Secure your breaker panel or flip off unneeded circuits
✅ Inspect cords, outlets, and detectors
✅ Test your surge protector
✅ Confirm home security system function
✅ Let a neighbor know your plans
Travel Worry-Free with Confidence
Prepping your home’s electrical system before a vacation might not be as exciting as planning excursions or packing your suitcase—but it’s one of the most important things you can do to ensure peace of mind while you’re away.
A little bit of planning can save you from electrical mishaps, high energy bills, and unnecessary stress. Plus, it’s an excellent way to extend the life of your home’s systems and electronics.
If you have any questions about how to safely prep your home before a trip—or want a professional inspection—our Langley-based team of licensed electricians is here to help.
📞 Contact us today for vacation prep, home inspections, or upgrades to smart lighting, surge protection, and more.
Safe travels, and don’t forget to unplug!
