Packing the suitcase, turning off the lights, locking the doors… and unplugging appliances. This last task is essential before leaving home for a well-deserved break for two reasons: safety and to prevent electricity bills from skyrocketing.
The best course of action is to unplug all appliances before leaving, but if that’s not possible, certain appliances should take priority as they are more dangerous and/or consume more energy.
The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have identified five appliances that should definitely be unplugged. They are as follows:
- Battery Chargers – If damaged or left plugged in too long, they can overheat. Therefore, they should always be unplugged once the battery is charged, and should not remain plugged in when you’re not at home;
- Heaters – Heaters left plugged in could cause a fire. They should be disconnected from the power source when not in use;
- Countertop Appliances – Whether it’s toasters, electric ovens, or kettles, these should be unplugged when not in use, as a power surge resulting from an electrical failure can be a real problem;
- Entertainment Devices – Energy consumption in standby mode accounts for 5% to 10% of a household’s total electricity use. Imagine the impact on your bill if entertainment devices remain plugged in while not being used;
- Hair Appliances – Devices like hairdryers, straighteners or curlers should also be unplugged, as a damaged cable can cause a fire.
The Ministry of Environment assured Notícias ao Minuto that the E_Lar program will launch “very soon.” The program aims to promote thermal comfort in homes by replacing inefficient appliances and gas equipment with more efficient and sustainable electrical equipment.
Beatriz Vasconcelos | 08:06 – 11/07/2025
Traveling Soon? Tips on Packing and Size Matters
The European airline association, Airlines for Europe (A4E), standardized the size of free carry-ons usually placed under the front seat last week. The new size to consider is 40 × 30 × 15 cm.
“The free bag allowed onboard in the cabin, under the front seat (known as a ‘personal item’), will now have a unified size across several airlines. This solution comes from an agreement between the airline members of the Airlines for Europe association, including the likes of TAP, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and EasyJet,” explains DECO PROTeste.
Thus, “with this agreement, the maximum dimensions of the personal item are set at 40x30x15 cm for all airlines in Airlines for Europe,” and this “measure should come into effect by the end of this summer.”
However, “some airlines included in this agreement will continue to permit larger personal items during boarding,” emphasizes the consumer protection organization.
Can I suspend my holiday if I fall ill? What if a family member dies?
