{“id”:”CBMixAFBVV95cUxObTdyUC1xbmhZd2RKdnp5ZERJLXlhdUNTSk1haWtuM2dpMFJic1Q2WF8wTFVaWDdjRTFWdzZVS0RPRVFWS2NCdi1sT29kMERsZnVONlJvN0RwMGRsYW0tODBCRWo2ZGpTVm9OSkJ3WEZQekh4UkYxNkVNLWVuV3dfdTBBdndCMHlKa0RLM0tTeVhpeXczbzRJcXdYTlNlWnVzTGV5VVpwODFBdWRGRHBWWTBZZVdvdFI3MjM5UG5Nb1lRUmtf”,”title”:”BlackRock intègre les données et la technologie de Preqin dans sa plateforme eFront – L’Agefi”,”description”:”BlackRock intègre les données et la technologie de Preqin dans sa plateforme eFront  L’Agefi“,”summary”:”BlackRock intègre les données et la technologie de Preqin dans sa plateforme eFront  L’Agefi“,”url”:”https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMixAFBVV95cUxObTdyUC1xbmhZd2RKdnp5ZERJLXlhdUNTSk1haWtuM2dpMFJic1Q2WF8wTFVaWDdjRTFWdzZVS0RPRVFWS2NCdi1sT29kMERsZnVONlJvN0RwMGRsYW0tODBCRWo2ZGpTVm9OSkJ3WEZQekh4UkYxNkVNLWVuV3dfdTBBdndCMHlKa0RLM0tTeVhpeXczbzRJcXdYTlNlWnVzTGV5VVpwODFBdWRGRHBWWTBZZVdvdFI3MjM5UG5Nb1lRUmtf?oc=5″,”dateCreated”:”2026-02-05T14:02:41.000Z”,”dateUpdated”:”2026-02-05T14:02:41.000Z”,”comments”:””,”author”:”news-webmaster@google.com”,”image”:{},”categories”:[],”source”:{“title”:”L’Agefi”,”url”:”https://www.agefi.fr”},”enclosures”:[],”rssFields”:{“title”:”BlackRock intègre les données et la technologie de Preqin dans sa plateforme eFront – L’Agefi”,”link”:”https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMixAFBVV95cUxObTdyUC1xbmhZd2RKdnp5ZERJLXlhdUNTSk1haWtuM2dpMFJic1Q2WF8wTFVaWDdjRTFWdzZVS0RPRVFWS2NCdi1sT29kMERsZnVONlJvN0RwMGRsYW0tODBCRWo2ZGpTVm9OSkJ3WEZQekh4UkYxNkVNLWVuV3dfdTBBdndCMHlKa0RLM0tTeVhpeXczbzRJcXdYTlNlWnVzTGV5VVpwODFBdWRGRHBWWTBZZVdvdFI3MjM5UG5Nb1lRUmtf?oc=5″,”guid”:”CBMixAFBVV95cUxObTdyUC1xbmhZd2RKdnp5ZERJLXlhdUNTSk1haWtuM2dpMFJic1Q2WF8wTFVaWDdjRTFWdzZVS0RPRVFWS2NCdi1sT29kMERsZnVONlJvN0RwMGRsYW0tODBCRWo2ZGpTVm9OSkJ3WEZQekh4UkYxNkVNLWVuV3dfdTBBdndCMHlKa0RLM0tTeVhpeXczbzRJcXdYTlNlWnVzTGV5VVpwODFBdWRGRHBWWTBZZVdvdFI3MjM5UG5Nb1lRUmtf”,”pubdate”:”Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:02:41 GMT”,”description”:”BlackRock intègre les données et la technologie de Preqin dans sa plateforme eFront  L’Agefi“,”source”:”L’Agefi”},”date”:”2026-02-05T14:02:41.000Z”}L’Agefi

{“result”:”**Title: The Silent Thief in Your Home: How This Everyday Habit Is Draining Your Wallet and Your Health**nn**Introduction**nnImagine this: you wake up, shuffle to the kitchen, and flick on the kettle. The soft glow of a standby TV greets you from the living room. Your laptop charger sits plugged in, a silent sentinel on the counter. It feels normal, harmless even. But what if I told you that this scene of domestic comfort is also a portrait of slow, steady waste? That while you sleep, work, and live your life, a phantom is moving through your walls, silently siphoning money from your bank account and adding unnecessary strain to our planet. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the reality of phantom energy load, also known as vampire power. And its cost is far more profound than you might think.nnWe live in an age of incredible convenience, surrounded by devices that promise to make our lives easier. Yet, this convenience has a hidden shadow—a constant, low-level draw of electricity that continues even when our gadgets are “off.” This blog post will pull back the curtain on phantom energy. We’ll explore not just the shocking impact on your utility bills, but the broader environmental consequences and the simple, actionable steps you can take tonight to reclaim control, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future.nn**What Exactly Is Phantom Energy, and Why Should You Care?**nnAt its core, phantom energy is the electricity consumed by electronic devices and appliances while they are switched off or in standby mode. They aren’t truly “off”; they’re in a state of suspended animation, waiting for a remote control signal, maintaining a clock, or preserving a memory setting. Think of it like a patient on life support—the device isn’t functioning, but it’s still drawing power to stay in a ready state.nnThe concept might seem trivial for a single device. How much power could a tiny LED light or a digital clock possibly use? The danger lies in the cumulative effect. The modern home is a graveyard of the semi-active: game consoles, desktop computers, microwave ovens with clocks, coffee makers with programmable timers, phone chargers left in outlets, and smart speakers listening for their wake word. Individually, they are drops in the bucket. Collectively, they become a flood.nn**The Real Cost: Your Wallet and the World**nnLet’s move beyond the abstract and look at the tangible impacts. The financial and environmental price of ignoring phantom load is steadily mounting.nnFirst, consider your personal finances. Studies from organizations like the U.S. Department of Energy estimate that phantom energy can account for **5% to 10% of a typical household’s annual electricity use**. For an average family, that translates to **$100 to $200 spent every year on absolutely nothing**. You are literally paying for the privilege of having your toaster remember the time. Over a decade, that’s a vacation fund, a new appliance, or a significant investment—all vanished into thin air.nnNow, scale that up. Multiply that waste by millions of households across a country. The environmental burden is staggering. This wasted energy primarily comes from fossil fuel-powered plants, meaning phantom load directly contributes to:n* Increased greenhouse gas emissions, fueling climate change.n* Unnecessary strain on the power grid, especially during peak periods.n* A faster depletion of natural resources for energy generation.nnIn essence, by allowing vampire power to persist, we are paying to pollute our own planet. It’s an inefficiency we can no longer afford, both economically and ecologically.nn**Identifying the Biggest Vampires in Your Home**nnNot all devices are created equal. Some are energy sippers, while others are full-blown energy guzzlers. Knowing where to look is half the battle. Here are the most common and power-hungry culprits:nn* **Entertainment Centers:** This is often the worst offender. A modern setup with a smart TV, cable/satellite box, gaming console, soundbar, and streaming device can draw a small fortune in standby power. Cable boxes are notoriously inefficient, often using nearly as much power idle as they do when on.n* **Office Equipment:** Desktop computers, monitors, printers, and external hard drives. A desktop computer left on 24/7, even in sleep mode, consumes a significant amount over a year.n* **Kitchen Appliances:** Microwaves (that bright clock), coffee makers with digital displays, toaster ovens, and any appliance with a “smart” panel or remote control.n* **Chargers:** The humble phone, tablet, or laptop charger continues to convert energy and produce heat even when the device is disconnected. If it’s warm to the touch, it’s wasting power.n* **Always-On “Smart” Devices:** Smart speakers, Wi-Fi routers, modems, and security cameras are designed to be always listening or connected. While their function requires some constant power, it’s essential to be mindful of their collective draw.nnA simple way to spot them? Listen and feel. Is there a faint hum or a tiny light? Is the power adapter or device slightly warm after hours of not being actively used? These are the telltale signs of a phantom load.nn**Your Action Plan: Slaying the Energy Vampires**nnThe good news is that you don’t need to be an electrician or live off-grid to solve this problem. With a few strategic changes, you can dramatically reduce your phantom load. Start with these practical steps:nn1. **Embrace the Power Strip:** This is your most powerful weapon. Plug clusters of devices (like your entire entertainment center or computer setup) into a smart power strip. With one flip of the strip’s switch when you go to bed or leave the house, you can cut power to everything at once. For even more convenience, invest in a *smart* power strip that can be controlled via an app or voice assistant, or that automatically cuts power to peripherals when the main device (like your TV) is turned off.n2. **Unplug with Purpose:** Make it a habit. When your phone or laptop is fully charged, unplug the charger from the wall. Unplug kitchen appliances you only use once a day, like the coffee maker or blender. It takes two seconds and becomes second nature.n3. **Configure Your Settings:** Dive into the menus of your devices. Enable aggressive energy-saving modes on computers and monitors. Disable the “quick start” features on modern TVs (which use more power in standby to boot faster). Adjust the settings on game consoles to favor energy saving over instant readiness.n4. **Audit and Upgrade:** Use an inexpensive plug-in energy monitor to measure the actual standby draw of your appliances. The results can be eye-opening. When it’s time to replace an old appliance, choose an ENERGY STAR certified model, which is held to stricter standby power requirements.n5. **Create a “Phantom-Free” Zone:** Designate one area, like the bedroom, as a low-electronics zone. Use a simple power strip for lamps and chargers and switch it off completely at night. You’ll save energy and potentially enjoy better sleep without the subtle buzz of electronics.nn**Answering Your Burning Questions (Mini FAQ)**nn**Q: Do unplugging and replugging devices damage them?**n**A:** For modern electronics, no. The wear and tear from plugging and unplugging is negligible compared to the lifespan of the device. The savings in energy and money far outweigh any minimal risk.nn**Q: What about devices that need to stay on for updates, like smart TVs or consoles?**n**A:** This is a valid concern. Schedule a specific time, perhaps once a week when you’re home, to power up these devices and allow them to check for and install updates. They do not need to be in standby 24/7 to perform this function.nn**Q: Is phantom load really a big deal compared to my air conditioning or heating use?**n**A:** It’s a different type of waste. Heating and cooling are *active* uses of energy for comfort. Phantom load is *passive* waste—energy used for zero benefit. Eliminating it is pure gain, like finding money in your couch cushions. Every bit of waste reduction adds up.nn**Q: Can smart home devices help or hurt?**n**A:** Both. A smart plug can help you automate the shutdown of vampire devices. However, adding dozens of always-on smart gadgets *increases* your constant baseline load. Be selective and use smart technology to manage dumb waste.nn**Conclusion: Taking Back Control, One Plug at a Time**nnPhantom energy is a pervasive but solvable problem. It represents a quiet agreement we’ve made with our technology: convenience in exchange for waste. But that agreement is negotiable. By becoming aware and taking simple, consistent actions, we can rewrite the terms.nnThe journey to a more efficient home doesn’t require a massive lifestyle overhaul. It starts with the conscious act of unplugging a single charger. It grows with the strategic use of a power strip. It culminates in a home that works for you, not against you—a home where your energy and your money are spent on living, not on leaking silently into the void.nnTonight, take a walk through your home. Look for the tiny lights in the dark. Feel for the warm adapters. Then, take your first step. Unplug what you can, and commit to slaying your energy vampires for good. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.nn—n**Meta Description:** Discover how phantom energy is secretly raising your bills and harming the planet. Our expert guide reveals the biggest culprits and simple, actionable tips to slash your standby power waste tonight.nn**SEO Keywords:** reduce phantom energy load, stop vampire power waste, lower electricity bill tips, home energy efficiency guide, standby power savingsnn**Image Search Keyword:** smart power strip setup for home entertainment center saving energy”,”id”:”582d4e2d-20cd-485c-97d5-541024dc881b”,”object”:”chat.completion”,”created”:1770423015,”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 this: you wake up, shuffle to the kitchen, and flick on the kettle. The soft glow of a standby TV greets you from the living room. Your laptop charger sits plugged in, a silent sentinel on the counter. It feels normal, harmless even. But what if I told you that this scene of domestic comfort is also a portrait of slow, steady waste? That while you sleep, work, and live your life, a phantom is moving through your walls, silently siphoning money from your bank account and adding unnecessary strain to our planet. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the reality of phantom energy load, also known as vampire power. And its cost is far more profound than you might think.nnWe live in an age of incredible convenience, surrounded by devices that promise to make our lives easier. Yet, this convenience has a hidden shadow—a constant, low-level draw of electricity that continues even when our gadgets are “off.” This blog post will pull back the curtain on phantom energy. We’ll explore not just the shocking impact on your utility bills, but the broader environmental consequences and the simple, actionable steps you can take tonight to reclaim control, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future.nn**What Exactly Is Phantom Energy, and Why Should You Care?**nnAt its core, phantom energy is the electricity consumed by electronic devices and appliances while they are switched off or in standby mode. They aren’t truly “off”; they’re in a state of suspended animation, waiting for a remote control signal, maintaining a clock, or preserving a memory setting. Think of it like a patient on life support—the device isn’t functioning, but it’s still drawing power to stay in a ready state.nnThe concept might seem trivial for a single device. How much power could a tiny LED light or a digital clock possibly use? The danger lies in the cumulative effect. The modern home is a graveyard of the semi-active: game consoles, desktop computers, microwave ovens with clocks, coffee makers with programmable timers, phone chargers left in outlets, and smart speakers listening for their wake word. Individually, they are drops in the bucket. Collectively, they become a flood.nn**The Real Cost: Your Wallet and the World**nnLet’s move beyond the abstract and look at the tangible impacts. The financial and environmental price of ignoring phantom load is steadily mounting.nnFirst, consider your personal finances. Studies from organizations like the U.S. Department of Energy estimate that phantom energy can account for **5% to 10% of a typical household’s annual electricity use**. For an average family, that translates to **$100 to $200 spent every year on absolutely nothing**. You are literally paying for the privilege of having your toaster remember the time. Over a decade, that’s a vacation fund, a new appliance, or a significant investment—all vanished into thin air.nnNow, scale that up. Multiply that waste by millions of households across a country. The environmental burden is staggering. This wasted energy primarily comes from fossil fuel-powered plants, meaning phantom load directly contributes to:n* Increased greenhouse gas emissions, fueling climate change.n* Unnecessary strain on the power grid, especially during peak periods.n* A faster depletion of natural resources for energy generation.nnIn essence, by allowing vampire power to persist, we are paying to pollute our own planet. It’s an inefficiency we can no longer afford, both economically and ecologically.nn**Identifying the Biggest Vampires in Your Home**nnNot all devices are created equal. Some are energy sippers, while others are full-blown energy guzzlers. Knowing where to look is half the battle. Here are the most common and power-hungry culprits:nn* **Entertainment Centers:** This is often the worst offender. A modern setup with a smart TV, cable/satellite box, gaming console, soundbar, and streaming device can draw a small fortune in standby power. Cable boxes are notoriously inefficient, often using nearly as much power idle as they do when on.n* **Office Equipment:** Desktop computers, monitors, printers, and external hard drives. A desktop computer left on 24/7, even in sleep mode, consumes a significant amount over a year.n* **Kitchen Appliances:** Microwaves (that bright clock), coffee makers with digital displays, toaster ovens, and any appliance with a “smart” panel or remote control.n* **Chargers:** The humble phone, tablet, or laptop charger continues to convert energy and produce heat even when the device is disconnected. If it’s warm to the touch, it’s wasting power.n* **Always-On “Smart” Devices:** Smart speakers, Wi-Fi routers, modems, and security cameras are designed to be always listening or connected. While their function requires some constant power, it’s essential to be mindful of their collective draw.nnA simple way to spot them? Listen and feel. Is there a faint hum or a tiny light? Is the power adapter or device slightly warm after hours of not being actively used? These are the telltale signs of a phantom load.nn**Your Action Plan: Slaying the Energy Vampires**nnThe good news is that you don’t need to be an electrician or live off-grid to solve this problem. With a few strategic changes, you can dramatically reduce your phantom load. Start with these practical steps:nn1. **Embrace the Power Strip:** This is your most powerful weapon. Plug clusters of devices (like your entire entertainment center or computer setup) into a smart power strip. With one flip of the strip’s switch when you go to bed or leave the house, you can cut power to everything at once. For even more convenience, invest in a *smart* power strip that can be controlled via an app or voice assistant, or that automatically cuts power to peripherals when the main device (like your TV) is turned off.n2. **Unplug with Purpose:** Make it a habit. When your phone or laptop is fully charged, unplug the charger from the wall. Unplug kitchen appliances you only use once a day, like the coffee maker or blender. It takes two seconds and becomes second nature.n3. **Configure Your Settings:** Dive into the menus of your devices. Enable aggressive energy-saving modes on computers and monitors. Disable the “quick start” features on modern TVs (which use more power in standby to boot faster). Adjust the settings on game consoles to favor energy saving over instant readiness.n4. **Audit and Upgrade:** Use an inexpensive plug-in energy monitor to measure the actual standby draw of your appliances. The results can be eye-opening. When it’s time to replace an old appliance, choose an ENERGY STAR certified model, which is held to stricter standby power requirements.n5. **Create a “Phantom-Free” Zone:** Designate one area, like the bedroom, as a low-electronics zone. Use a simple power strip for lamps and chargers and switch it off completely at night. You’ll save energy and potentially enjoy better sleep without the subtle buzz of electronics.nn**Answering Your Burning Questions (Mini FAQ)**nn**Q: Do unplugging and replugging devices damage them?**n**A:** For modern electronics, no. The wear and tear from plugging and unplugging is negligible compared to the lifespan of the device. The savings in energy and money far outweigh any minimal risk.nn**Q: What about devices that need to stay on for updates, like smart TVs or consoles?**n**A:** This is a valid concern. Schedule a specific time, perhaps once a week when you’re home, to power up these devices and allow them to check for and install updates. They do not need to be in standby 24/7 to perform this function.nn**Q: Is phantom load really a big deal compared to my air conditioning or heating use?**n**A:** It’s a different type of waste. Heating and cooling are *active* uses of energy for comfort. Phantom load is *passive* waste—energy used for zero benefit. Eliminating it is pure gain, like finding money in your couch cushions. Every bit of waste reduction adds up.nn**Q: Can smart home devices help or hurt?**n**A:** Both. A smart plug can help you automate the shutdown of vampire devices. However, adding dozens of always-on smart gadgets *increases* your constant baseline load. Be selective and use smart technology to manage dumb waste.nn**Conclusion: Taking Back Control, One Plug at a Time**nnPhantom energy is a pervasive but solvable problem. It represents a quiet agreement we’ve made with our technology: convenience in exchange for waste. But that agreement is negotiable. By becoming aware and taking simple, consistent actions, we can rewrite the terms.nnThe journey to a more efficient home doesn’t require a massive lifestyle overhaul. It starts with the conscious act of unplugging a single charger. It grows with the strategic use of a power strip. It culminates in a home that works for you, not against you—a home where your energy and your money are spent on living, not on leaking silently into the void.nnTonight, take a walk through your home. Look for the tiny lights in the dark. Feel for the warm adapters. Then, take your first step. Unplug what you can, and commit to slaying your energy vampires for good. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.nn—n**Meta Description:** Discover how phantom energy is secretly raising your bills and harming the planet. Our expert guide reveals the biggest culprits and simple, actionable tips to slash your standby power waste tonight.nn**SEO Keywords:** reduce phantom energy load, stop vampire power waste, lower electricity bill tips, home energy efficiency guide, standby power savingsnn**Image Search Keyword:** smart power strip setup for home entertainment center saving energy”},”logprobs”:null,”finish_reason”:”stop”}],”usage”:{“prompt_tokens”:354,”completion_tokens”:2073,”total_tokens”:2427,”prompt_tokens_details”:{“cached_tokens”:320},”prompt_cache_hit_tokens”:320,”prompt_cache_miss_tokens”:34},”system_fingerprint”:”fp_eaab8d114b_prod0820_fp8_kvcache”}1770423015