Umair Gaines
With the ever-increasing cost of energy, many people are looking for ways to save money and be more efficient with their energy use. Electric throws are a great way to stay warm, but are they expensive to run? Electric blankets and throws are generally very economical, costing from as little as 1p to 5p per hour to run, especially when compared to central heating. However, running costs vary depending on the manufacturer, wattage, and heat settings. To calculate the cost of running an electric throw, you need to multiply the wattage by the number of hours used and the price per unit rate of electricity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective | Yes, especially compared to central heating |
| Cost per hour | 1p-5p |
| Cost per night | 8p-16p |
| Wattage | 70-150W |
| Power rating | Depends on the product |
| Heat settings | Multiple settings available |
| Safety | Fire stations offer advice on usage |
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What You'll Learn
Electric throw cost per hour
The cost of running an electric throw varies depending on its wattage, the temperature setting, and the duration of use. Wattage for electric throws typically ranges from 120 watts to 250 watts.
To calculate the cost per hour, you need to know the wattage of your electric throw and your cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from your electricity bill. For example, if your electric throw consumes 100 watts and you are charged 13 cents per kWh, it will cost approximately 13 cents per hour to run.
According to some sources, electric throws can cost as little as 1 pence to 4 pence per hour to run. However, it's important to note that these costs can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
Compared to other forms of heating, electric throws are generally considered a cost-effective option. They allow you to direct heat towards yourself without needing to heat the entire room. Additionally, they are often equipped with timers and automatic temperature adjustments, helping to reduce energy consumption and cost.
To further reduce costs, it is recommended to use lower temperature settings, only use the electric throw when necessary, and consider switching to a more suitable energy tariff for your home.
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Calculating running costs
The running costs of an electric throw will depend on the wattage of the throw, the number of hours it is used for, and the price per unit of electricity.
To calculate the running cost, you can multiply the wattage of the throw by the number of hours it is used, and then multiply that figure by the price per unit rate of electricity. For example, if your electric throw uses 120 watts per hour, and you use it for 8 hours, you would multiply 0.12 by 8 to get 0.96. Then, multiply this figure by your price per unit rate of electricity. If your price per unit rate is 0.25, you would multiply 0.96 by 0.25, which would give you a cost of 0.24 to run the electric throw for 8 hours.
Some electric throws have different heat settings, and using a lower setting will save money as less energy is needed to heat the throw. You can also save money by using a timer to limit the number of hours the throw is in use, or by using the throw in conjunction with your central heating system, rather than as a replacement for it.
Compared to other forms of heating, electric throws are generally considered to be an energy-efficient and cost-effective option, as they use less electricity and direct heat to a specific area.
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Energy-saving alternatives
Electric blankets and heated throws are generally considered to be energy-saving alternatives to heating your whole home. They are designed to direct heat to you, rather than your whole house. Many electric blankets and heated throws cost just a few pence to run per hour, with some costing 1p to 3p per hour.
To calculate the cost of running your electric throw, you will need to know its wattage and the price you pay per unit of electricity. You can then multiply the wattage by the number of hours the throw is on for, and then multiply that number by the price per unit of electricity.
If you are looking for other ways to stay warm without turning up the thermostat, you could try wearing more layers, such as a vest, wool socks, slippers, or a hat indoors. You could also invest in a heated hoodie, or a heated mattress pad.
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Safety considerations
Electric throws are generally considered a safe and cost-effective way to keep warm during the winter. However, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind when using these products. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure safe usage:
- Always read and follow the instructions and manufacturer's safety advice. This includes guidelines on usage, maintenance, and any precautions to take.
- Purchase a new electric throw. Second-hand products may have unseen defects or safety hazards due to improper usage by previous owners.
- Regularly test your electric throw for any faults. It is recommended to test these products every two years and replace them every ten years.
- Look for safety certification marks, such as the British or European standard, to ensure the product meets the necessary safety standards.
- Be cautious if you plan to use the electric throw overnight. Only leave it switched on if it has thermostatic controls and the instructions specifically state that it is safe to do so. Most electric throws have auto-shutoff features to prevent accidents.
- Check with your local fire station. Some fire stations offer free services to inspect electric blankets and similar products for safety.
- Be mindful of the heat settings. Using the highest setting will consume more energy, increasing costs. Adjust the settings based on your comfort level and the ambient temperature.
- Consult a professional if you have specific concerns. For example, individuals insensitive to heat should seek advice before using electric throws.
- Compare energy tariffs to find the most cost-effective option for your usage patterns. Variable tariffs may fluctuate, while fixed tariffs provide more predictable budgeting.
- Consider using a smart meter to monitor your energy consumption and costs. This can help you identify any unexpected increases in usage or expenses.
By following these safety considerations, you can confidently use an electric throw while maintaining a good standard of safety and cost efficiency.
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Comparison to central heating
Electric blankets and heated throws are a more economical way to stay warm than central heating. They are much less expensive to use as they only heat a small area around you, rather than your entire room or home.
For example, in a house with good insulation, a boiler typically costs around £1.56 an hour to heat your home, based on a 24kW gas boiler and the April 2025 price cap of 6.99p/kWh for gas. In contrast, electric blankets cost pennies to run for an hour, with estimates ranging from 4 cents to 15 cents per hour.
Electric blankets are also more cost-effective than space heaters, which can cost around 15 cents an hour to run. They are also more portable and convenient than space heaters, as they can be easily moved from room to room and are safer to use, especially overnight.
However, it is important to note that using electric blankets or heated throws as your sole source of heat for extended periods may not be advisable, as it can lead to the build-up of damp and mould in your home, especially in older houses with poor insulation. Therefore, a combination of central heating and electric blankets or heated throws may be the most efficient and cost-effective solution during colder months.
When choosing an electric blanket or heated throw, look for features such as a timer, an overheat protection sensor, dual controls, and a high energy efficiency rating to maximise energy savings and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of running an electric throw depends on its wattage and the price you pay per unit of electricity. For example, an electric throw with a wattage of 120W will cost 2.36 pence per hour to run.
Electric throws are generally considered to be an energy-efficient alternative to heating a whole room, as they don't use a lot of electricity and direct their heat to a specific area.
To calculate the cost of running your electric throw, you need to know its wattage and the price you pay per unit of electricity. You can then multiply the wattage by the number of hours the throw is on and then by the price per unit of electricity.
Yes, there are a few ways to save money when using an electric throw. Firstly, you can avoid using the highest heat setting, as this will use less energy. Secondly, you can use a timer to limit the number of hours the throw is on. Finally, you can compare energy tariffs to ensure you are on the cheapest option.
