Summer travel is exciting but coming home to an electrical fire, surge damage, or power outage isn’t. Whether you’re headed out for a weekend or planning a longer vacation, it’s important to make sure your home’s electrical system is protected while you’re away.
At Top Notch Electrician, we help North Texas homeowners keep their homes safe and sound even when they’re not home. Here are simple, actionable electrical safety tips to give you peace of mind this vacation season.
1. Unplug Non-Essential Devices: Even when turned off, many devices still draw “phantom” power. More importantly, they can become fired or surge risks during a storm or outage. Before leaving home, unplug:
- TVs and entertainment systems
- Computers and printers
- Coffee makers and toasters
- Chargers and small appliances
- Lamps and plug-in air fresheners
Leave only essentials plugged in, like your fridge or security system.
2.Use Timers or Smart Plugs for Lighting: A dark house is an easy target for burglars. Setting a few indoor lights to turn on and off while you’re away helps make the home look occupied.
Options:
- Simple mechanical timers
- Smart plugs controlled by an app
- Smart switches programmed with schedules
Bonus: Smart plugs let you check in from your phone and turn things on or off remotely.
3. Don’t Overload Power Strips or Outlets: Before you leave, do a quick walk-through and check for overloaded outlets or power strips, especially in home offices, kitchens, or entertainment areas. Too many devices in one spot are fired hazard especially if no one’s around to catch it. If you spot warm outlets, buzzing plugs, or melted cords, it’s time to call an electrician before you go.
4. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection: Texas storms don’t take a break just because you do. A lightning strike near your home can send a power surge through your wiring frying appliances, smart home devices, or even your HVAC system.
Whole-home surge protection:
- Blocks large surges at the panel
- Protects appliances and major systems
- Works automatically even when you’re gone
Ask Top Notch Electrician if your home is already protected, or if it’s time to install a surge system.
5.Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Before heading out of town, test all the alarms to make sure they’re working properly. Change batteries if needed, and make sure at least one alarm is near your main electrical panel or utility room. If your alarms are more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace them.
6.Turn Off the Main Water Heater Breaker (Optional): If you’re gone more than a few days, turning off your water heater at the breaker can reduce energy use and lower the risk of a short circuit or malfunction.
7.Have a Trusted Electrician on Call: Before you leave, it’s smart to have the number of a trusted local electrician saved in case someone watching your home needs to call for help. At Top Notch Electrician, we’re just a call away and we’ll be here when you get back too.
Head Out With Confidence
Vacation should be about rest, not worrying whether you remember to unplug the toaster. With a little planning and help from your local electrician you can leave your home safe, protected, and storm ready.
Need a quick check before you leave town? We’ve got your back. Call [972 397 8646 ] or visit [www.topnotchelectrician.com] to schedule a safety walk-through or ask about smart home and surge protection options. Go enjoy your trip, Top Notch Electrician has you covered.