Electric Blankets Energy Usage

A blanket is part of our daily lives, and one cannot go to sleep without covering themselves with a soft and cozy blanket to stay warm during the cold night.

Since ancient times, people have been using blankets to keep themselves warm, especially during winters. Aside from gathering firewoods and sleeping close to a fire, blankets are essential for human survival. 

There have been records where a Chinese traveler traveled to India and encountered a blanket called Kambala, a woolen material made of sheep or goat hairs. 

Wool is a popular blanket material because it is thicker and has a more substantial fabric, but cotton can also be used for light blankets. Wool blankets are warmer and burn slower than cotton blankets. Woven acrylic, knitted polyester, mink, cotton, fleece, and wool are the most common types of blankets.

Blankets can also be made with exotic materials and crafts, such as a crocheted afghan or a silk covering. Because they all serve similar functions, the terms blanket, comforter, quilt, and duvet are frequently used interchangeably. 

The military is one of the largest single consumers of woolen blankets. Military blankets are typically coarse gray with thick fibers of more than 20 microns to ensure they can get a good rest to prepare for the battle.

Military blankets have been used for centuries. During World Wars, blankets are crucial for the survival of the military, especially during those winter months and in places with harsh weather conditions, like in Russia, to keep the soldier from freezing to death.

With the modernization and introduction of technology, even blankets are improved to meet consumers' needs. Electric blankets are now in demand in the market. 

Electric blanket power consumption

Keeping an electric space heater running during the cold months can be costly, and chances are it won't even warm up your room or bed evenly. Electric blankets, on the other hand, are a far more cost-effective and efficient way to enjoy a warm and comfortable sleep. 

An electric blanket keeps you warm and toasty without using too much electricity or draining your bank account. Some electric blankets have automatic shut, so you don't have to get up and pull the power cord to turn it off.

An electric blanket wattage typically consumes 70 watts of power and costs about 4 cents per hour to run. In comparison, that's about 20 cents per night, which is significantly less than the cost of your room heater, but this will vary depending on the wattage, run time, heat setting, and blanket size.

Queen-size electric blankets typically consume 140 watts and cost 4 cents per hour or 32 cents per night for an 8-hour usage. The bigger the blanket, the higher the electricity it consumes. 

Why choose an electric blanket?

Electric blankets are very efficient heaters, so you should only use one for about 10 to 30 minutes on a medium setting before turning it off. Because warm air is trapped beneath your doona, you should stay warm all night - and you won't need a space heater on the side of the bed. Its electric heat helps you stay warm during the December nights with your loved ones. 

Many electric blankets also have timers set to turn off automatically and temperature settings that can control the heat levels. Even if your electric blanket has an all-night mode, it is not recommended to leave it on all night despite putting it in soft heat levels.

You might think that electric blankets are unwashable, but there are brands of electric blankets that are machine washable. An electric blanket maintains an ultra soft, cozy sherpa-like texture despite being washed. But you must be careful when washing it as it contains wiring inside the sheets. You must read the instructions carefully before washing to avoid damaging the blankets.

The best thing about the electric blanket is that it comes in different sizes, from queen and king-sized to throw blankets. There are also electric weighted blankets; these blankets are perfect for people who have sensory issues and need the pressure to relax.

How much does an electric blanket cost?

Depending on the type, size, and features, a typical electric blanket can cost from $17 to $100. But these are cheaper than buying a space heater that can cost up to $150 and has high electricity rates.

An electric heater costs roughly 16 times what you would pay for an electric blanket to keep your feet warm in bed at night. 

Best Electric blanket on the market

As thousands of electric blankets are on sale, choosing the right blanket for you and your budget can be tricky.  According to thespruce.com, there are nine overall best electric blankets on the market and why they are considered the best. 

Best Overall: Woolrich Heated Plush to Berber Blanket - The material is machine-washable and dryer-safe, with a generous five-year warranty. It also received a 5 for heat levels, owing to its 20 temperature settings. 

It has a 10-hour auto-shutdown feature. You can stay warm all night without worrying about it turning off too soon or causing an electrical hazard. 

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Best Overall, Runner-Up: True North by Sleep Philosophy Ultra Soft Heated Blanket - This bed cover has teddy bear-like softness on one side and snuggly sherpa on the other, earning it a perfect score for both quality and fabric.

There are 20 temperature settings available, a preheating option, and a 10-hour automatic shutoff. 

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Best Budget: Bedsure Heated Blanket - It's reversible and super soft, with one smooth side velour and the other plush sherpa.

Despite having only five temperature settings, the blanket provided the user with a consistent heating experience.

The blanket can be machine-washed on a cold cycle but should be air-dried, and it comes in two sizes: a throw and an oversized throw. 

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Best Throw: L.L.Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Throw - This blanket is machine-washable; a reversible blanket is made of PrimaLush polyester on one side and Loftmink on the other. 

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Best Dual-Control: Beautyrest Textured Heated Blanket - The heat levels (20 temperatures), as well as the durability, which includes a machine-washable design, UL certification, and a five-year warranty.

It received four stars for fabric, quality, and design, as the double-sided controls are convenient but necessitate outlets on both sides.

The ribbed polyester and microfleece materials are incredibly soft and comfortable. The bed cover has a preheat function and an automatic shutoff with an adjustable timer. 

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Best for Cold Feet: Degrees of Comfort Heated Blanket with Foot Pocket - The blanket is machine-washable, dryer-safe, and comes with a five-year warranty. Although it only has three temperature settings: low, medium, and high.

The foot pocket on this electric blanket throw provides a designated spot to tuck in your feet while working at a desk or snuggling up on the couch. 

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Best Sherpa: MP2 Heated Sherpa Throw - This blanket only has three temperature settings, but considering its price point of $49.

The blanket has the coziness of the micro velour and Berber sherpa. This electric throw feels almost like a regular blanket—the internal coils are barely noticeable. 

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Best Plush: Hyde Lane Plush Heated Blanket - This electric blanket is priced in the middle, making it a good choice for anyone looking for a high-quality design that won't break the bank. We also like that it's larger than the average throw size at 60 x 70 inches. 

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Best Outdoor: Lomitech Heated Blanket - It is made of windproof and water-repellent material and padded with poly-fill. While it must be hand-washed and is small, it is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

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This heated throw also rolls up small and easily fits into the included carrying pouch, making it ideal for camping, road trips, outdoor concerts, or simply sitting on your patio. 

Heating and cooling are the most expensive expenses for most homes in the United States and Europe, accounting for more than half of a typical household's energy use. This can cause your electric or fuel bills to skyrocket during winter, especially if your home is over 20 years old.

Making better, more informed decisions about how to heat your home can save you a lot of money. So choose the right appliance to heat your home while saving money on the bill.