5 Easy Saving Tips On How Much To Run An Electric Blanket

Owning an electric blanket is relatively cheap. How much to run an electric blanket, you ask? Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect.

 

how much to run an electric blanket

Is An Electric Blanket Expensive To Run?

An electric blanket can keep you nice and toasty under the sheets when it gets cold. It makes it perfect for snuggling with a companion, a pet, or by yourself!

 

To put things in perspective, an electric blanket, on average, will consume about 400 watts.

 

The price of kilowatts per hour for the United States is 12.69 cents as of January 2021.

 

The estimated cost will still vary depending on where you live, though.

 

Now let’s do the math. If you use your electric blanket at, say, 8 hours a night, it totals up to an estimated 3200 watts or 3.2 kilowatts.

 

For the average total around the US, it would cost around 41 cents per night.

 

If you were to estimate how much per year, the total would be $148.22 if used every night.

 

You may want to consider that you’d use the electric blanket only during chilly months.

 

For example, if you use it for only six months, that would bring the average cost to about $74.11 per year.

 

As stated earlier, electricity prices still vary from state to state and how many watts the electric blanket consumes.

 

With this in mind, you can expect the cost per night or per year will be more or less the above amounts.

 

It’s a good deal if you’re considering whether to use an electric blanket or a space heater. Speaking of which, let’s go over which is cheaper.

 

Is An Electric Blanket Cheaper Than A Space Heater?

It’s no doubt that both can provide great comfort during chilly nights.

 

After all, you can save on heating if you use one of them in your bedroom.

 

We discussed earlier that an electric blanket would provide warm comfort under the sheets as you sleep.

 

On the other hand, a space heater is suitable for keeping the whole room comfortably warm. It’ll give your bedroom the perfect atmosphere.

 

To properly compare the two, let’s go over how much a space heater will cost to run. On average, a space heater consumes 1,500 watts or 1.5 kilowatts at most.

 

The wattage is already more than an electric blanket.

 

If you want to get more into detail, using it for 8 hours a night would total around 12 kilowatts and $1.53 per night.

 

Using it every night would be about $558.45 for a year and $274.23 for six months.

 

Compared to an electric blanket, space heaters take up more energy and are pricier in the long run.

 

With this, you can save more if you use an electric blanket during cold nights. It’ll make the warmth in bed more worth it.

 

What You Should Know On How Much To Run An Electric Blanket

Owning an electric blanket does have its benefits. Below is an enumeration of what you should know to keep them in good shape.

 

Don’t overuse

As with any other electrical appliance, you have to remember to turn it off after using it.

 

Some electric blankets have a timer that makes this more convenient for you.

 

You also have to make sure your electric blanket is suitable for overnight use.

 

Doing this will ensure that it doesn’t become a fire hazard while you’re asleep.

 

Here’s an electricity-saving tip: you can leave it on for about 10 minutes and turn it off afterward.

 

The heat will remain for about an hour which will make it easier to sleep.

 

Some blankets even have timers to make them more convenient to turn off after use.

 

Keep flat

Lay the blanket flat when you lie down. If it’s folded or bunched up when it’s on, it could trap heat between the creases causing it to overheat.

 

If you keep it flat, you’ll stop your electric blanket from becoming a fire hazard.

 

Don’t lay on top

You must stay under the blanket during use. If you lay on top of it, you could end up damaging the inner wires.

 

Using an electric blanket with damaged wires could potentially increase the risk of a fire.

 

Don’t use with heated mattress pads or on waterbeds

Electric blankets are a terrible idea if you have a water bed.

 

A potential leak could cause electrocution and even start a fire if the electric blanket is on.

 

A heated mattress pad could make things hotter and also contribute to a possible fire.

 

Avoid placing anything on top

Pillows, books, or anything you might place on the electric blanket could prevent heat from properly escaping.

 

Of course, this could result in overheating.

 

Make sure to clear up the top of the electric blanket when you use it.

 

If you have a pet, they may also enjoy the comfort the heat the electric blanket could bring.

 

Keep your pet from settling on top of the blanket.

 

If your furry companion wants to snuggle in it, keep their heads sticking out so they can lay comfortably under the electric blanket.

 

Conclusion

An electric blanket is budget-friendly and can be very comfortable if you can take care of it properly.

 

Perhaps someone you know is still asking, “How much to run an electric blanket?” and is considering getting one.

 

Now you can tell anyone who asks how cost-effective it can be and how worth it is for a toasty night during the cold days.