Disclosed is object a method for operating a retraction device of an automatic bundler that is designed to be used in a facility for processing products that are delivered in the form of bundles that each group multiple products held together with a retractable film; with the retraction device being equipped with a retraction furnace including at least one heating unit that is designed to heat the air of the furnace and at least one air circulation unit that is designed to distribute the hot air in the furnace; with the operating method including a production mode during which the bundler is adjusted to be able to produce output and a superficial standby mode that helps save energy. The superficial standby mode includes the reduction in speed of at least one air circulation unit, compared to production mode, to a non-zero value. Also disclosed is a corresponding device.