Beatrice Lang
Electric blankets are a great way to stay warm during chilly winters. They are generally considered an energy-efficient alternative to central heating as they only heat a small area. However, with rising energy prices, it is natural to wonder how much it costs to run an electric blanket. The cost of running an electric blanket depends on various factors, including its wattage, heat settings, and the duration of use. By using timers, preheating, and lower heat settings, you can further reduce the costs of running an electric blanket, making it a cost-effective solution to stay warm and cosy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energy Rating | The maximum amount of electricity the blanket uses when running on its highest temperature setting |
| Temperature Setting | Lower settings use less electricity |
| Timer | Allows you to shut the blanket off at a set time |
| Automatic Temperature Adjustments | A thermostat will only switch on when needed to maintain the set temperature |
| Energy Tariff | A time-of-use tariff such as Economy 7 will cost less to use overnight |
| Wattage | A higher wattage blanket will use more energy and cost more to run than a lower wattage blanket |
| Heat Settings | The number of heat settings available |
| Auto Shut-Off | Automatically turns off after a set period |
| Dual Controls | Allows two people to choose their own temperature settings |
| Insulation | The better insulated your house is, the lower the setting you'll need |
| Power Rating | The power rating of the blanket, shown on the product label or manual |
| Energy Usage | The amount of electricity consumed depends on the blanket's heat settings and how long it takes to reach the desired temperature |
| Running Costs | Electric blankets are generally very economical, costing from as little as 1.7p-5p per hour to run |
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What You'll Learn
Electric blankets are a cost-effective solution
There are several ways to optimise your electric blanket usage and save costs. Firstly, use the timer function to preheat your bed for 10-30 minutes before getting in and then turn it off. This way, you can use a lower heat setting, which consumes less energy, and the residual heat will keep you warm for hours. Secondly, if you feel warm enough, turn down the heat setting on your blanket. This is an easy way to reduce excess heat and save energy, as it is harder to cool down a warm bed than to heat it up. Thirdly, consider investing in a high-quality blanket with features like automatic shut-off, temperature sensors, and dual controls. These features enhance safety and energy efficiency, allowing you to customise your warmth without wasting energy.
Electric blankets are a more economical choice compared to other heating methods. They are significantly cheaper than running central heating because they focus the heat directly on you, whereas central heating warms up an entire room or house. Additionally, electric blankets are more cost-effective than portable electric heaters and oil-filled radiators, which can cost over £4.80 and £2.40 per night, respectively. With electric blankets, you can stay warm at a fraction of the cost, making them a smart choice for targeted warmth.
To calculate the cost of running your electric blanket, you need to know its wattage and your electricity rate. Multiply the blanket's wattage by the usage time in hours, then multiply by your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour. This calculation will give you the cost of running your electric blanket per hour. By understanding these costs, you can make informed decisions about your blanket usage and identify areas where you can optimise your energy consumption and save money.
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Running costs depend on wattage, usage time and electricity prices
Electric blankets are a cost-effective solution to staying warm during winters. They are energy-efficient as they are designed to warm up only the space around them. However, the running costs of electric blankets depend on various factors such as wattage, usage time, and electricity prices.
Wattage plays a crucial role in determining the running cost of an electric blanket. A lower-wattage blanket will cost less to run, while a higher-wattage blanket will provide more intense heat but may increase your bill. For example, a single-size blanket typically uses around 60 watts, while a double-size or heated throw may use 100-150 watts. The wattage of your electric blanket is usually mentioned on the product label, in the manual, or in the product specifications.
The usage time of the electric blanket also impacts its running cost. Using the blanket for a shorter duration, such as preheating your bed for an hour or two, will cost significantly less than leaving it on overnight. Additionally, using a timer and setting the blanket to turn off once you're cosy can help reduce costs.
Electricity prices vary across different regions and energy tariffs. The cost of electricity is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and the rate can be found on your electricity bill. As of January 2025, the average price of electricity in the UK was 24.86p per kWh. By multiplying the blanket's wattage by the usage time in hours and the cost per kWh, you can estimate the cost of running your electric blanket.
It is worth noting that the heat settings of the electric blanket can also impact its running cost. Lower heat settings use less electricity, making the blanket more energy-efficient. Additionally, the insulation of your house can affect the heat settings required to maintain a comfortable temperature.
In summary, the running costs of an electric blanket depend on a combination of factors, including the blanket's wattage, the duration of use, electricity prices, heat settings, and the insulation of your house. By choosing a lower-wattage blanket, using timers efficiently, and selecting appropriate heat settings, you can optimise the running costs of your electric blanket.
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Lower-wattage blankets are cheaper to run
Electric blankets are already among the most affordable heating options, but their running costs can vary depending on the manufacturer and the blanket's wattage. Lower-wattage blankets are cheaper to run, whereas higher-wattage blankets provide more heat but cost more to run. For example, a single-size blanket may use around 60 watts, while a double-size or heated throw could use 100–150 watts. The wattage of your electric blanket is an important factor in determining its running cost. For instance, a 70-watt blanket will cost around 1.7p per hour to run, while a 150-watt blanket will cost around 4p per hour.
To calculate the running cost of your electric blanket, you need to multiply its wattage by the number of hours it is used and then by your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour. For example, if your electricity rate is 24.86p per kilowatt-hour, a 70-watt blanket will cost 1.7p per hour (0.07 x 24.86p).
There are several ways to reduce the running costs of your electric blanket. Firstly, you can use a timer to preheat your bed for 10-30 minutes before getting in and then turn it off, instead of running it all night. Secondly, you can use lower heat settings, which will still keep you comfortable while using less electricity. Thirdly, you can invest in a high-quality blanket with features such as automatic shut-off, temperature sensors, and dual controls, which can help you save energy and money.
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Use a timer to preheat your bed
Electric blankets are a cheap and energy-efficient solution to keep warm during the cold winter months. They are designed to warm up the space around them and cost mere pennies to run for an hour. The actual cost depends on the blanket's wattage, heat settings, and the duration for which it is used.
Using a timer to preheat your bed before you get in is a great way to save money and energy. Setting a timer allows you to warm up your bed for a fixed duration, after which the blanket will turn off automatically. This is more energy-efficient than leaving the blanket on all night.
You can set the timer for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours before you go to bed, depending on the heat setting. Using a timer also means you can choose a lower heat setting, which uses less energy. For example, you can set the blanket to a low heat for a couple of hours before bedtime and then leave it on a minimal setting all night.
Additionally, you can use the timer in conjunction with other features such as automatic temperature adjustments. For instance, you can set the timer to turn on the blanket to full heat for 10-15 minutes before bedtime and then switch it off, allowing the residual heat to keep you warm.
By using the timer function effectively, you can ensure that your electric blanket is both a cosy and cost-effective solution to keep warm during the cold winter nights.
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Electric blankets are cheaper than central heating
Electric blankets are a cost-effective solution to staying warm during winters. They are significantly cheaper than running central heating because they are designed to warm up only the space around them. Most blankets have an energy rating of 100-300 watts, costing pennies to run for extended periods. For example, a 70-watt blanket would cost 1.7p per hour to use, while a 150-watt blanket would cost under 4p per hour.
The cost of running an electric blanket depends on its wattage, heat settings, and usage time. Higher-wattage blankets provide more intense heat but cost more to run. Lower heat settings and preheating your bed for a short period before turning the blanket off can help reduce costs. Using a timer and taking advantage of automatic shut-off features can also lower expenses.
Electric blankets are an energy-efficient alternative to heating an entire room or home. They are a good choice for cold nights instead of turning up the central heating. By using an electric blanket, you can turn down your thermostat as your bedroom will not need as much heat. Additionally, blankets with Intelliheat+ technology can cost as little as 5p per hour to run on the minimum heat setting as they automatically adjust the heat based on body and room temperature.
Overall, electric blankets offer a focused and cost-effective way to stay warm, making them a better option than central heating for individual use.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of running an electric blanket depends on its wattage, the length of time it is used for, and the domestic electricity prices in your area. A lower-wattage blanket will cost less to run, while higher-wattage blankets provide more heat but will cost more. Electric blankets can cost as little as 2p per hour to run, with most costing under 5p per hour.
To reduce the cost of running an electric blanket, you can use the timer function to preheat your bed before you get in, and then turn it off. You can also use a lower heat setting, and turn down your thermostat as your bedroom will not need as much heat.
Electric blankets are a more energy-efficient heating alternative to central heating because they only heat a small area around you, rather than your entire room or home.
To work out the running costs of your electric blanket, you need to know its wattage. You can then multiply the wattage by the number of hours it is used for, and then multiply that number by how much you pay per unit rate of electricity.
