Unplugging the toaster when it's not in use can have a couple of potential benefits:
Energy Savings: Even when appliances are not actively being used, they may consume a small amount of standby power if they are still plugged in. This is often referred to as "phantom" or "vampire" power. By unplugging the toaster when it's not needed, your mother can save a tiny amount of electricity over time, which could add up to a small reduction in energy consumption on her electricity bill.
Safety: Toaster malfunctions can occasionally occur, leading to issues like short circuits or overheating. By unplugging the toaster, your mother can eliminate the risk of any electrical accidents or fires if there's a problem with the appliance when it's not in use.
While the energy savings from unplugging a toaster might be relatively small, it can be a good practice for other larger appliances that consume more power in standby mode, such as televisions, computers, and gaming consoles. However, it's important to strike a balance between energy-saving practices and convenience, as frequently plugging and unplugging appliances can become cumbersome for items used regularly throughout the day.
One alternative to consider is using a power strip with an on/off switch. This way, multiple appliances can be easily turned off at once by flipping the switch, reducing standby power consumption without having to unplug each appliance individually. Some modern power strips also have "smart" features that can automatically cut off power to certain outlets when the connected devices are in standby mode.