Are electric blankets good on electric?
Yes, electric blankets are generally considered energy efficient.
Electric blankets and heated throws are indeed energy efficient. Unlike heating an entire room or house, these personal heating devices focus warmth directly onto you, the user. This targeted approach means they consume significantly less energy compared to central heating systems or even space heaters.
The reference provided explicitly states: "Yes they are" when asked if heated throws and blankets are energy efficient.
Factors Affecting Energy Efficiency
While electric blankets are inherently efficient, their actual energy consumption can vary. According to the reference, "there are factors that will affect how energy-efficient they are."
Key factors include:
- Insulation of Your Home: The reference highlights that "The better insulated your house is, the lower the setting you'll need to use on your heated blanket or throw to stay warm." A well-insulated home helps retain ambient warmth, allowing you to use a lower heat setting on your blanket, thus using less electricity.
- Thermostat Setting: Using a lower setting on your electric blanket requires less power than a higher one.
- Blanket Size and Type: Larger blankets or those with advanced features might have slightly different consumption rates, though the principle of targeted heating remains.
- Usage Duration: The longer you use the blanket, the more energy it consumes, although the rate per hour is low.
Why Use an Electric Blanket for Efficiency?
Comparing an electric blanket to other heating methods reveals its efficiency advantage:
- Central Heating: Heats the entire house, consuming large amounts of energy, especially in poorly insulated homes.
- Space Heaters: Heat a single room, but often use more wattage than electric blankets and still disperse heat into the air rather than directly to the person.
By using an electric blanket, you can potentially lower your home's thermostat setting significantly, leading to substantial savings on your overall heating bill. Instead of paying to heat empty rooms or the ceiling, you're directing warmth where you need it most.
Practical Tips for Efficient Use
To maximize the energy efficiency of your electric blanket:
- Choose the Right Setting: Start with a low setting and increase only if necessary. As the reference notes, better insulation means needing a lower setting.
- Preheat Briefly: Turn it on a few minutes before use to warm up the bed or seating area.
- Turn Off When Not Needed: Don't leave it on all day if you're not using it.
- Layer Up: Combine the blanket with pajamas or other layers for extra warmth, potentially allowing you to use a lower heat setting.
Using an electric blanket or heated throw is a smart strategy for personal comfort while keeping energy consumption and costs in check.
