{“id”:”CBMiwwFBVV95cUxOMFJhNmEtWWxVV1BLT0VIdEFqcS1kcVBRYmlMT2RQYmZsZmNqQjRwQzExR2pObXl6emJQaVF5cXRoOThZRHFRZ252cVBKZm5Zc0VIcUNXdWh4bXVIMEJCSEhQanB1aGxNdl9sZUFzLVdvWmpNNW00MEowUFVuZlhMQjVrMnpSRzdKaDBtRW03RDVBYzNicExSeEp5UG82OFh0bVZhRHE4R19aZ0xIaHJyMjY4MDVfbUNZN2J0RGN4bjA4dm8″,”title”:”Voyager de Londres à Paris en vingt minutes? L’Europe teste une technologie révolutionnaire – Le magazine GEO”,”description”:”Voyager de Londres à Paris en vingt minutes? L’Europe teste une technologie révolutionnaire  Le magazine GEO“,”summary”:”Voyager de Londres à Paris en vingt minutes? L’Europe teste une technologie révolutionnaire  Le magazine GEO“,”url”:”https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwwFBVV95cUxOMFJhNmEtWWxVV1BLT0VIdEFqcS1kcVBRYmlMT2RQYmZsZmNqQjRwQzExR2pObXl6emJQaVF5cXRoOThZRHFRZ252cVBKZm5Zc0VIcUNXdWh4bXVIMEJCSEhQanB1aGxNdl9sZUFzLVdvWmpNNW00MEowUFVuZlhMQjVrMnpSRzdKaDBtRW03RDVBYzNicExSeEp5UG82OFh0bVZhRHE4R19aZ0xIaHJyMjY4MDVfbUNZN2J0RGN4bjA4dm8?oc=5″,”dateCreated”:”2026-02-26T05:09:00.000Z”,”dateUpdated”:”2026-02-26T05:09:00.000Z”,”comments”:””,”author”:”news-webmaster@google.com”,”image”:{},”categories”:[],”source”:{“title”:”Le magazine GEO”,”url”:”https://www.geo.fr”},”enclosures”:[],”rssFields”:{“title”:”Voyager de Londres à Paris en vingt minutes? L’Europe teste une technologie révolutionnaire – Le magazine GEO”,”link”:”https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwwFBVV95cUxOMFJhNmEtWWxVV1BLT0VIdEFqcS1kcVBRYmlMT2RQYmZsZmNqQjRwQzExR2pObXl6emJQaVF5cXRoOThZRHFRZ252cVBKZm5Zc0VIcUNXdWh4bXVIMEJCSEhQanB1aGxNdl9sZUFzLVdvWmpNNW00MEowUFVuZlhMQjVrMnpSRzdKaDBtRW03RDVBYzNicExSeEp5UG82OFh0bVZhRHE4R19aZ0xIaHJyMjY4MDVfbUNZN2J0RGN4bjA4dm8?oc=5″,”guid”:”CBMiwwFBVV95cUxOMFJhNmEtWWxVV1BLT0VIdEFqcS1kcVBRYmlMT2RQYmZsZmNqQjRwQzExR2pObXl6emJQaVF5cXRoOThZRHFRZ252cVBKZm5Zc0VIcUNXdWh4bXVIMEJCSEhQanB1aGxNdl9sZUFzLVdvWmpNNW00MEowUFVuZlhMQjVrMnpSRzdKaDBtRW03RDVBYzNicExSeEp5UG82OFh0bVZhRHE4R19aZ0xIaHJyMjY4MDVfbUNZN2J0RGN4bjA4dm8″,”pubdate”:”Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:09:00 GMT”,”description”:”Voyager de Londres à Paris en vingt minutes? L’Europe teste une technologie révolutionnaire  Le magazine GEO“,”source”:”Le magazine GEO”},”date”:”2026-02-26T05:09:00.000Z”}Le magazine GEO

{“result”:”**Title: The Silent Thief in Your Home: How This Everyday Habit is Draining Your Wallet and Your Health**nn**Introduction**nnImagine a thief slipping into your home each night, moving silently from room to room. This intruder doesn’t take your jewelry or electronics. Instead, it steals something far more valuable: your money, your comfort, and even your well-being. You wouldn’t stand for it. You’d change the locks, install an alarm, do anything to stop it. Yet, millions of us invite a version of this thief in every single day through a simple, seemingly harmless habit. We’re talking about the pervasive, energy-wasting practice of leaving electronics and appliances on standby, or “phantom load.” This isn’t just about a flickering LED light on your TV; it’s a pervasive drain with surprising financial, environmental, and personal costs. Let’s pull back the curtain on this hidden expense and reclaim what’s rightfully yours.nn**The Shocking Reality of Phantom Energy Drain**nnWe’ve all done it. You finish watching TV, grab the remote, and click it off. The screen goes black, a tiny red or blue light remains, and you think nothing of it. In that moment, you’ve just activated a phantom. This “vampire power,” as it’s often called, is the electricity consumed by any device that is switched off but still plugged in. It powers features like instant-on functions, remote control sensors, digital clocks, and internal memory. Your microwave clock, your gaming console in rest mode, your laptop charger with no laptop attached—they’re all quietly sipping electricity 24/7.nnThe individual cost per device is minuscule, often just a watt or two. But here’s where the math gets frightening. The average home contains 40 or more products constantly drawing phantom power. When you add up the charger for your electric toothbrush, the coffee maker with its digital display, the stereo system, the desktop computer printer, and all the rest, the collective drain is substantial. Studies estimate that phantom loads can account for up to 10% of a typical household’s annual electricity bill. That’s not pocket change; it’s the equivalent of leaving a window open all winter or having a major appliance running non-stop without any benefit.nn**Your Wallet is Not the Only Victim: The Environmental Toll**nnThe financial sting is personal and immediate, but the ripple effects of wasted energy extend far beyond your monthly statement. Every kilowatt-hour of electricity needlessly consumed has an environmental origin. In most regions, that means more fossil fuels—coal, natural gas—burned at power plants. This process directly contributes to:nn* **Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions:** Primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the leading driver of human-caused climate change.n* **Air and Water Pollution:** From the extraction and burning of fuels, impacting local ecosystems and public health.n* **Resource Depletion:** Wasting electricity accelerates the draw on finite natural resources.nnBy tackling phantom load, you’re not just saving money; you’re actively reducing your household’s carbon footprint. It’s a direct, tangible action against energy waste, making your home more efficient and environmentally responsible without any grand renovations or sacrifices.nn**The Hidden Health and Safety Angle You Haven’t Considered**nnBeyond money and the planet, there’s a personal wellness and safety dimension that often goes unmentioned. A cluster of constantly warm plugs and transformers is more than an energy issue.nn* **Fire Risk Reduction:** While rare, faulty transformers or damaged cords in a constant state of low-power draw can overheat, especially when hidden behind furniture or buried under dust. Unplugging unused devices eliminates this risk entirely.n* **Reducing Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Exposure:** All plugged-in electronics, even when off, emit low-level electromagnetic fields. While science is still exploring the long-term health implications, many people choose a precautionary principle, minimizing unnecessary exposure in their living spaces, particularly bedrooms.n* **Mental Clutter and Digital Detox:** There’s a psychological benefit to truly powering down. The faint hum of a power supply, the glow of dozens of status lights—this constant low-level electronic presence contributes to sensory clutter. Creating a true “off” state in a room can foster a calmer, more restful environment.nn**Your Room-by-Room Guide to Slaying the Energy Vampires**nnReady to take action? Let’s go on a room-by-room hunt. Arm yourself with a notepad and prepare to be surprised.nn**The Living Room & Entertainment Center:** This is often the biggest culprit.n* **The Big Offenders:** Smart TVs, gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation in standby), cable/satellite boxes, soundbars, AV receivers, and streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV).n* **The Simple Fix:** Plug all entertainment components into a single advanced power strip. Use the strip’s master switch to cut all power at once, or invest in a “smart” strip that cuts power to peripherals when the main device (like the TV) is turned off.nn**The Home Office:** A modern hub of constant power draw.n* **The Big Offenders:** Desktop computers (especially older models), monitors, printers, scanners, speaker systems, and chargers left in outlets.n* **The Simple Fix:** Use a power strip for your computer setup and switch it off at the end of the workday. Configure your computer and monitor to enter sleep mode quickly. Unplug laptop and phone chargers when not actively charging.nn**The Kitchen:** A jungle of digital clocks and hidden motors.n* **The Big Offenders:** Microwave ovens, coffee makers with clocks/timers, toaster ovens, electric kettles with bases, and smart appliances.n* **The Simple Fix:** Do you really need *two* clocks on your microwave and stove? Unplug the microwave when not in use. Use a simple plug-in timer for your coffee maker so it only has power in the morning. Unplug countertop appliances after each use.nn**The Bedroom:** Where quiet should reign supreme.n* **The Big Offenders:** Phone/tablet chargers, electric blankets, ceiling fan remotes, digital clocks, and televisions.n* **The Simple Fix:** Make it a nightly ritual: unplug your phone charger once the phone is charged. Consider a battery-powered alarm clock. Unplug any heating pads or blankets.nn**Bathrooms, Laundry Rooms, and Garages:** Don’t forget these spaces.n* **The Big Offenders:** Electric toothbrush chargers, water flosser bases, clothes irons, power tool chargers (drills, etc.), and garage door openers with lighting.n* **The Simple Fix:** Charge toothbrushes only as needed. Unplug the iron immediately after use. Store power tool chargers on a switched power strip in the garage.nn**Smart Tech and Advanced Solutions for the Modern Home**nnIn our connected age, the problem has evolved, but so have the solutions. Smart home devices can be part of the problem (a smart speaker is always listening) or the cure.nn* **Smart Plugs:** These are your best friend. Plug any suspect device into a smart plug. You can then schedule it to turn off automatically overnight (e.g., your entertainment center) or control it via an app or voice command. You can even monitor energy usage with some models.n* **Advanced Power Strips:** As mentioned, these automatically cut power to “slave” outlets when the “master” device is turned off. Perfect for computer and TV setups.n* **Energy Monitoring:** Consider a whole-home energy monitor or a plug-in energy meter. These devices show you, in real dollars and cents, exactly what each appliance is costing you, revealing the biggest vampires in your house.nn**Your Questions, Answered: A Mini FAQ on Phantom Power**nn* **Does unplugging things really save money?**n Absolutely. While each device uses little, the collective effect is significant. For a typical household, eliminating phantom load can save between $100 to $200 annually. It’s pure savings for a few seconds of effort.nn* **Don’t modern devices use less standby power?**n Yes, regulations and better design have improved efficiency. However, the sheer number of devices in our homes has skyrocketed. One efficient smart TV, plus a game console, a soundbar, and two streaming sticks, still adds up.nn* **Is it bad to constantly plug and unplug devices?**n For modern electronics and outlets, normal plugging and unplugging poses no risk. It’s far less stressful on the device than suffering a power surge while it’s plugged in. For frequently used items, a switched power strip is more convenient.nn* **What about devices that need updates in standby, like game consoles?**n This is a valid exception. Schedule update times (e.g., one evening a week) and put the console on a smart plug or timer to only have power during that period, rather than 24/7.nn* **Will I damage my electronics by cutting all power?**n No. You might lose a preset clock on your microwave or have to wait 30 seconds for your smart TV to boot up. Modern electronics are designed for power cycles. The minor inconvenience is outweighed by the savings and safety benefits.nn**Conclusion: Reclaim Your Power—It’s Simpler Than You Think**nnThe journey to a more efficient, cost-effective, and intentional home doesn’t require a massive investment or a degree in electrical engineering. It starts with awareness, followed by simple, consistent action. The phantom energy drain is a silent agreement we’ve all accepted through inertia. Today, you can revoke that agreement.nnStart tonight. Walk through your home with fresh eyes. See the tiny lights not as harmless indicators, but as silent alarms signaling waste. Plug that entertainment center into a strip and flip the switch. Unplug that charger. Feel the subtle satisfaction of taking direct control. The savings will accumulate on your bill, the environmental benefit, while small per person, is collectively powerful, and you’ll gain the peace of mind that comes from a more deliberate and safe home. Stop feeding the vampires. Take back your power, both literally and figuratively.nn—nn**Meta Description:** Discover how phantom energy drain from standby electronics secretly costs you hundreds each year. Our expert guide shows you simple, room-by-room fixes to save money and reduce your carbon footprint today.nn**SEO Keywords:** save on electric bill, reduce phantom load, home energy efficiency tips, stop vampire power, lower electricity consumptionnn**Image Search Keyword:** home energy waste infographic”,”id”:”1f9adccf-b0bb-4114-9c57-34eef3a0bbfb”,”object”:”chat.completion”,”created”:1772144040,”model”:”deepseek-chat”,”choices”:[{“index”:0,”message”:{“role”:”assistant”,”content”:”**Title: The Silent Thief in Your Home: How This Everyday Habit is Draining Your Wallet and Your Health**nn**Introduction**nnImagine a thief slipping into your home each night, moving silently from room to room. This intruder doesn’t take your jewelry or electronics. Instead, it steals something far more valuable: your money, your comfort, and even your well-being. You wouldn’t stand for it. You’d change the locks, install an alarm, do anything to stop it. Yet, millions of us invite a version of this thief in every single day through a simple, seemingly harmless habit. We’re talking about the pervasive, energy-wasting practice of leaving electronics and appliances on standby, or “phantom load.” This isn’t just about a flickering LED light on your TV; it’s a pervasive drain with surprising financial, environmental, and personal costs. Let’s pull back the curtain on this hidden expense and reclaim what’s rightfully yours.nn**The Shocking Reality of Phantom Energy Drain**nnWe’ve all done it. You finish watching TV, grab the remote, and click it off. The screen goes black, a tiny red or blue light remains, and you think nothing of it. In that moment, you’ve just activated a phantom. This “vampire power,” as it’s often called, is the electricity consumed by any device that is switched off but still plugged in. It powers features like instant-on functions, remote control sensors, digital clocks, and internal memory. Your microwave clock, your gaming console in rest mode, your laptop charger with no laptop attached—they’re all quietly sipping electricity 24/7.nnThe individual cost per device is minuscule, often just a watt or two. But here’s where the math gets frightening. The average home contains 40 or more products constantly drawing phantom power. When you add up the charger for your electric toothbrush, the coffee maker with its digital display, the stereo system, the desktop computer printer, and all the rest, the collective drain is substantial. Studies estimate that phantom loads can account for up to 10% of a typical household’s annual electricity bill. That’s not pocket change; it’s the equivalent of leaving a window open all winter or having a major appliance running non-stop without any benefit.nn**Your Wallet is Not the Only Victim: The Environmental Toll**nnThe financial sting is personal and immediate, but the ripple effects of wasted energy extend far beyond your monthly statement. Every kilowatt-hour of electricity needlessly consumed has an environmental origin. In most regions, that means more fossil fuels—coal, natural gas—burned at power plants. This process directly contributes to:nn* **Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions:** Primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the leading driver of human-caused climate change.n* **Air and Water Pollution:** From the extraction and burning of fuels, impacting local ecosystems and public health.n* **Resource Depletion:** Wasting electricity accelerates the draw on finite natural resources.nnBy tackling phantom load, you’re not just saving money; you’re actively reducing your household’s carbon footprint. It’s a direct, tangible action against energy waste, making your home more efficient and environmentally responsible without any grand renovations or sacrifices.nn**The Hidden Health and Safety Angle You Haven’t Considered**nnBeyond money and the planet, there’s a personal wellness and safety dimension that often goes unmentioned. A cluster of constantly warm plugs and transformers is more than an energy issue.nn* **Fire Risk Reduction:** While rare, faulty transformers or damaged cords in a constant state of low-power draw can overheat, especially when hidden behind furniture or buried under dust. Unplugging unused devices eliminates this risk entirely.n* **Reducing Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Exposure:** All plugged-in electronics, even when off, emit low-level electromagnetic fields. While science is still exploring the long-term health implications, many people choose a precautionary principle, minimizing unnecessary exposure in their living spaces, particularly bedrooms.n* **Mental Clutter and Digital Detox:** There’s a psychological benefit to truly powering down. The faint hum of a power supply, the glow of dozens of status lights—this constant low-level electronic presence contributes to sensory clutter. Creating a true “off” state in a room can foster a calmer, more restful environment.nn**Your Room-by-Room Guide to Slaying the Energy Vampires**nnReady to take action? Let’s go on a room-by-room hunt. Arm yourself with a notepad and prepare to be surprised.nn**The Living Room & Entertainment Center:** This is often the biggest culprit.n* **The Big Offenders:** Smart TVs, gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation in standby), cable/satellite boxes, soundbars, AV receivers, and streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV).n* **The Simple Fix:** Plug all entertainment components into a single advanced power strip. Use the strip’s master switch to cut all power at once, or invest in a “smart” strip that cuts power to peripherals when the main device (like the TV) is turned off.nn**The Home Office:** A modern hub of constant power draw.n* **The Big Offenders:** Desktop computers (especially older models), monitors, printers, scanners, speaker systems, and chargers left in outlets.n* **The Simple Fix:** Use a power strip for your computer setup and switch it off at the end of the workday. Configure your computer and monitor to enter sleep mode quickly. Unplug laptop and phone chargers when not actively charging.nn**The Kitchen:** A jungle of digital clocks and hidden motors.n* **The Big Offenders:** Microwave ovens, coffee makers with clocks/timers, toaster ovens, electric kettles with bases, and smart appliances.n* **The Simple Fix:** Do you really need *two* clocks on your microwave and stove? Unplug the microwave when not in use. Use a simple plug-in timer for your coffee maker so it only has power in the morning. Unplug countertop appliances after each use.nn**The Bedroom:** Where quiet should reign supreme.n* **The Big Offenders:** Phone/tablet chargers, electric blankets, ceiling fan remotes, digital clocks, and televisions.n* **The Simple Fix:** Make it a nightly ritual: unplug your phone charger once the phone is charged. Consider a battery-powered alarm clock. Unplug any heating pads or blankets.nn**Bathrooms, Laundry Rooms, and Garages:** Don’t forget these spaces.n* **The Big Offenders:** Electric toothbrush chargers, water flosser bases, clothes irons, power tool chargers (drills, etc.), and garage door openers with lighting.n* **The Simple Fix:** Charge toothbrushes only as needed. Unplug the iron immediately after use. Store power tool chargers on a switched power strip in the garage.nn**Smart Tech and Advanced Solutions for the Modern Home**nnIn our connected age, the problem has evolved, but so have the solutions. Smart home devices can be part of the problem (a smart speaker is always listening) or the cure.nn* **Smart Plugs:** These are your best friend. Plug any suspect device into a smart plug. You can then schedule it to turn off automatically overnight (e.g., your entertainment center) or control it via an app or voice command. You can even monitor energy usage with some models.n* **Advanced Power Strips:** As mentioned, these automatically cut power to “slave” outlets when the “master” device is turned off. Perfect for computer and TV setups.n* **Energy Monitoring:** Consider a whole-home energy monitor or a plug-in energy meter. These devices show you, in real dollars and cents, exactly what each appliance is costing you, revealing the biggest vampires in your house.nn**Your Questions, Answered: A Mini FAQ on Phantom Power**nn* **Does unplugging things really save money?**n Absolutely. While each device uses little, the collective effect is significant. For a typical household, eliminating phantom load can save between $100 to $200 annually. It’s pure savings for a few seconds of effort.nn* **Don’t modern devices use less standby power?**n Yes, regulations and better design have improved efficiency. However, the sheer number of devices in our homes has skyrocketed. One efficient smart TV, plus a game console, a soundbar, and two streaming sticks, still adds up.nn* **Is it bad to constantly plug and unplug devices?**n For modern electronics and outlets, normal plugging and unplugging poses no risk. It’s far less stressful on the device than suffering a power surge while it’s plugged in. For frequently used items, a switched power strip is more convenient.nn* **What about devices that need updates in standby, like game consoles?**n This is a valid exception. Schedule update times (e.g., one evening a week) and put the console on a smart plug or timer to only have power during that period, rather than 24/7.nn* **Will I damage my electronics by cutting all power?**n No. You might lose a preset clock on your microwave or have to wait 30 seconds for your smart TV to boot up. Modern electronics are designed for power cycles. The minor inconvenience is outweighed by the savings and safety benefits.nn**Conclusion: Reclaim Your Power—It’s Simpler Than You Think**nnThe journey to a more efficient, cost-effective, and intentional home doesn’t require a massive investment or a degree in electrical engineering. It starts with awareness, followed by simple, consistent action. The phantom energy drain is a silent agreement we’ve all accepted through inertia. Today, you can revoke that agreement.nnStart tonight. Walk through your home with fresh eyes. See the tiny lights not as harmless indicators, but as silent alarms signaling waste. Plug that entertainment center into a strip and flip the switch. Unplug that charger. Feel the subtle satisfaction of taking direct control. The savings will accumulate on your bill, the environmental benefit, while small per person, is collectively powerful, and you’ll gain the peace of mind that comes from a more deliberate and safe home. Stop feeding the vampires. Take back your power, both literally and figuratively.nn—nn**Meta Description:** Discover how phantom energy drain from standby electronics secretly costs you hundreds each year. Our expert guide shows you simple, room-by-room fixes to save money and reduce your carbon footprint today.nn**SEO Keywords:** save on electric bill, reduce phantom load, home energy efficiency tips, stop vampire power, lower electricity consumptionnn**Image Search Keyword:** home energy waste infographic”},”logprobs”:null,”finish_reason”:”stop”}],”usage”:{“prompt_tokens”:354,”completion_tokens”:2227,”total_tokens”:2581,”prompt_tokens_details”:{“cached_tokens”:320},”prompt_cache_hit_tokens”:320,”prompt_cache_miss_tokens”:34},”system_fingerprint”:”fp_eaab8d114b_prod0820_fp8_kvcache”}1772144040