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Do heated blankets use a lot of electricity?
When it comes to keeping warm, heated blankets are one of the best ways to keep the chill at bay. But it’s no surprise lots of people often wonder whether they use a lot of electricity. So, let’s find out.
The short answer is no. Heated blankets don’t use a lot of electricity. But of course, there are a lot of factors that’ll affect just how much you’ll spend to keep toasty.
Since they come in all shapes and sizes, the amount of electricity each one uses can differ, with bigger ones needing a bit more. But, as a rule, electric blankets use between 40 to 150 watts to run - and to give you an idea of how much that costs, we’re talking pennies.
Now to really see how they measure up, let’s compare them to some other ways to keep warm.
Heat the house or enjoy a warm hug?
When you’re weighing up the different ways to stay warm, have a think about which suits you best. Central heating is a great way to warm up the whole house when everyone’s moving from room to room. But if you’re hunkering down on the sofa with a good book, a heated blanket is a much more targeted way to get toasty.
Basically, heated blankets warm you directly rather than heating empty rooms, making them extra efficient and ideal when you just want to stay put.
Running an 80W heated blanket for one hour costs around 2p, while gas central heating costs roughly £1.65 per hour. So, if you don't need widespread warmth, you can make some serious savings.
How about hot water bottles?
These reliable little comforters have been with us through thick and thin, warming us up on those chilly nights. But get this - heated blankets are bigger, better at keeping you warm, and work out cheaper too.
That’s right. Your average kettle costs around 5p to boil enough water for a hot water bottle. And, considering that you’ll have to re-boil water multiple times when it needs a refill, the cost can add up over time. Compare that to your typical heated blanket which costs around 1.9p an hour to run, it’s easy to see how one works out cheaper.
Some things to consider
So, the verdict? Heated blankets are a seriously smart way to keep warm for less. Compared to gas or electric central heating, and even your hot water bottle, they’ll usually come out on top for efficiency.
Just keep in mind, the exact savings can depend on a few things - the size and type of your heated blanket, your energy tariff, and how long you’ll be using it for.
Which works out cheaper?
As a rule, heated blankets are a fair bit cheaper than other methods to help you get nice and snug without popping on the radiator. So, next time you’re trying to keep the chill away, grab your heated blanket and know you’re saving a few pennies while you’re at it.
