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If you’re thinking about using an electric blanket this winter, you’ve probably wondered whether it will noticeably increase your electricity bill.
The short answer is no.
Compared to many household heating appliances, electric blankets use relatively little electricity. In fact, they’re often one of the cheapest ways to stay warm at night because they heat your bed instead of trying to warm the entire room.
How Much Electricity Does an Electric Blanket Use?
Most modern electric blankets use between 50 and 150 watts, depending on:
- Blanket size
- Heat setting
- Brand and model
- Whether it’s a heated throw or full-size blanket
Many people use them on medium settings, where actual power consumption is often lower than the maximum rating.
| Appliance | Typical Power Usage |
|---|---|
| Electric Blanket | 50–150 W |
| Heated Throw | 40–100 W |
| Space Heater | 1,500 W |
| Central Heating | Much Higher Overall |
How Much Does It Cost to Run?
Let’s use a common example.
Suppose your blanket uses 100 watts.
If you use it for 8 hours, it consumes:
0.8 kWh (100 W × 8 hours ÷ 1000)
If electricity costs $0.17 per kWh, that’s roughly:
$0.14 per night
Even if you use it every night for a month:
Around $4–5 per month
Actual costs depend on your local electricity rate and the blanket’s power consumption.
Do Heated Blankets Use a Lot of Electricity?
No.
Heated blankets work the same way as electric blankets and generally fall within similar power ranges.
Because they warm your body directly rather than heating an entire room, they’re much more energy-efficient than many traditional heating methods.
Electric Blanket vs Space Heater
If your goal is simply staying warm while sleeping, an electric blanket is usually the more economical choice.
A typical space heater can use around 1,500 watts, while many electric blankets operate at roughly 100 watts.
That means a space heater may consume 10–15 times more electricity during the same period, although the exact difference depends on settings and usage.
Tips to Reduce Electricity Use Even More
- Warm the bed before getting in, then lower the heat setting.
- Use the timer if your blanket has one.
- Keep the blanket flat and avoid folding heating wires sharply.
- Pair it with warm bedding so lower heat settings stay comfortable.
- Replace older blankets that no longer heat evenly.
Does an Electric Blanket Save Money?
For many households, yes.
If you’re only trying to keep yourself warm instead of heating an entire bedroom, an electric blanket can be a practical way to reduce heating costs during colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do electric blankets use a lot of electricity?
No. Most use between 50 and 150 watts, making them one of the more energy-efficient heating options for personal comfort.
Do heated blankets use a lot of electricity?
Generally no. They consume far less electricity than portable space heaters and many other heating appliances.
Do electric blankets use a lot of energy overnight?
Not usually. Even after several hours of use, electricity consumption remains relatively low compared with heating an entire room.
Are electric blankets cheaper than space heaters?
In most cases, yes. Since they heat the person rather than the surrounding air, they typically use much less electricity.
Final Thoughts
If your main concern is your electricity bill, an electric blanket is unlikely to have a major impact. While the exact running cost depends on your electricity rate and the blanket you own, most models use relatively little power compared with room heaters.
For anyone looking for a comfortable and energy-conscious way to stay warm during colder months, an electric blanket is often one of the most cost-effective options.
