Heading out of town? Your home's electrical system can help keep things safe while you're away - and ensure you don't come back to unpleasant surprises. Here's how St. Louis homeowners can optimize their electrical setup for vacation mode.
Before You Leave: The Essential Checklist
Power Down Non-Essentials
Unplug these devices: - Entertainment systems (TV, gaming consoles, sound systems) - Computer equipment (except networked security devices) - Small kitchen appliances (coffee maker, toaster, microwave) - Phone chargers and other adapters - Space heaters and fans
Why unplug? Beyond saving electricity, unplugging eliminates fire risk from power surges and equipment malfunction while you're away.
Don't unplug: - Refrigerator (obviously) - Security systems and cameras - Sump pump - Smart home hub - WiFi router (for security cameras and smart devices)
Smart Thermostat Settings
Summer vacation settings: - Set AC to 80-85°F (prevents mold/humidity issues) - Use "Away" mode if available - Enable humidity control (below 60% relative humidity)
Winter vacation settings: - Set heat to 55-60°F (prevents pipe freezing) - Never turn off heat completely in winter - Consider smart water leak sensors at vulnerable points
Pro tip: Smart thermostats can alert you to temperature extremes. Set up notifications before you leave.
Water Heater Management
For vacations longer than a few days:
Standard tank water heater: - Set to "Vacation" mode if available - Or lower temperature to 80°F - Or turn off completely (electric: flip breaker; gas: turn to pilot)
Tankless water heater: - Can be left as-is (only heats on demand) - Or turn off for complete peace of mind
Savings: A week at vacation settings can save $10-$20 in energy costs.
Lighting Security: Occupied Look While Away
An empty, dark house advertises vacancy. Smart lighting creates the appearance of normal activity.
Timer Options
Mechanical timers ($5-$15): - Simple, reliable - No WiFi needed - Limited scheduling flexibility - Can't be adjusted remotely
Smart plugs with scheduling ($20-$40): - App-controlled schedules - Random variation options - Remote adjustments - Sunrise/sunset automation
Smart switches ($30-$60): - Professional appearance - Full scheduling capability - No visible plugs or devices - Vacation mode randomization
Effective Lighting Strategies
Create realistic patterns: - Living room: On 6-10 PM - Kitchen: Brief periods during morning and evening - Bedroom: Brief period at night before "bedtime" - Bathroom: Brief random periods
Pro tips: - Vary on/off times by 15-30 minutes daily - Don't leave the same lights on 24/7 - Use motion-activated outdoor lighting - Put radio/TV on timer for audio activity
Outdoor Lighting
Security lighting while away: - Motion-activated floodlights - Dusk-to-dawn fixtures for entry points - Pathway lighting on timers - Avoid keeping everything on 24/7 (looks unusual)
Smart Home Vacation Features
If you have smart home systems, enable vacation mode:
Smart Thermostat
Ecobee: - Enable "Away for now" - Set up smartphone-based geofencing - Monitor remotely via app
Nest: - Set "Away" temperature settings - Enable Home/Away Assist - Review energy history remotely
Security Systems
Before leaving: - Test all sensors and cameras - Verify cloud recording is active - Enable all motion alerts - Check camera angles and lighting
Video doorbell tips: - Enable motion alerts - Configure activity zones - Quick responses feature for visitors - Package detection alerts
Smart Plugs and Switches
Create automation "scenes": - "Vacation Departure" - turns off non-essentials, activates timers - "Vacation Return" - restores normal settings - Randomized lighting schedules
Leak and Temperature Sensors
Critical monitoring points: - Near water heater - Under kitchen sink - Near washing machine - In basement near sump - Near HVAC unit
These sensors can alert you to problems before they become disasters.
Sump Pump: Critical for Away Homeowners
If your basement relies on a sump pump, extra precautions are essential.
Pre-Departure Testing
Test your sump pump: 1. Pour bucket of water into sump pit 2. Verify pump activates 3. Confirm water pumps out completely 4. Check discharge pipe for obstructions
Backup Options
Battery backup sump pump: - Keeps pumping during power outages - Essential if you'll be away during storm season - Test battery before leaving
Water-powered backup pump: - Uses municipal water pressure - No battery to maintain - Works indefinitely during outage
WiFi-enabled monitoring: - Alerts if pump runs excessively - Notifies of high water levels - Power loss notifications
Power Protection
Sump pumps should be on: - Dedicated circuit (not shared with other equipment) - GFCI protection (code requirement) - Surge protection (prevents storm damage)
Schedule sump pump inspection before your trip.
Major Appliances
Refrigerator/Freezer
Short trips (1-2 weeks): - Leave running normally - Adjust temperature slightly warmer (40°F fridge, 0°F freezer) - Remove highly perishable items
Long trips (2+ weeks): - Empty, clean, and unplug (OR) - Leave running with minimal contents - Place open box of baking soda inside
Washer/Dryer
Before leaving: - Turn off water supply to washer (prevents flooding from hose failure) - Clean dryer lint trap - Leave washer door open to prevent mold
Dishwasher
Before leaving: - Run empty cycle to clear any debris - Leave door slightly ajar to prevent odors - Turn off water supply for extended trips
Electrical Safety Checks
Circuit Breaker Review
Before leaving: - Know which breakers control which systems - Consider turning off non-essential circuits - Label any breakers that will be off
Don't turn off: - Refrigerator circuit - Security system circuit - Sump pump circuit - HVAC circuit (seasonal protection) - Smart home/WiFi circuit
Smoke and CO Detector Check
Test before every trip: - Press test button on each detector - Verify all units sound alarm - Replace batteries if chirping - Note replacement dates
Surge Protection Verification
Before a trip (especially during storm season): - Check whole-home surge protector status lights - Verify power strips are functioning - Consider unplugging sensitive electronics
Extended Absence Considerations
For vacations longer than 2-3 weeks, additional precautions apply:
Have Someone Check In
Weekly visits should include: - Visual check of electrical systems - Verify sump pump operation - Check for water leaks - Collect mail and packages - Verify security system status
Notify Your Alarm Company
- Inform them of your travel dates
- Update emergency contact numbers
- Verify monitoring is active
- Discuss vacation protocols
Consider Smart Monitoring
For frequent travelers, invest in: - WiFi-enabled water leak sensors - Smart smoke/CO detectors - Temperature and humidity monitors - Smart sump pump monitors
These systems pay for themselves with one prevented disaster.
Preparing for vacation? If you're concerned about your home's electrical readiness for an extended absence, we can perform a pre-vacation inspection to ensure everything is safe and optimized. Schedule an inspection before you travel.