Have you ever wondered about the amount of electricity consumed by your electric blanket this winter? An electric blanket uses about 200 to 400 Watts of electricity per night. This only costs around 20 cents per night!
How many per kwh does an electric blanket use per minute?
An average electric blanket uses 1.6 kilowatt-hour (kWh) only.
So, to calculate the kilowatt-hour used by any home appliance, simply multiply the watts of power by the number of hours it is in use. Then, you need to divide this number by 1000 as 1kw = 1000W.
kWh = (watts x hours used)/1000
[400 x 4 /1000 = 1.6 kWh]
But keep in mind, the type of blanket and the settings it is set on can have an impact on electricity usage. The higher the heat setting, the more electricity it will consume. So, for maximum energy efficiency, try to keep it on the lower settings and only use it when necessary. And don’t forget to turn it off before you go to sleep!
How much does it cost to run an electric blanket?
An average electric blanket would cost you 20 cents per night according to EIA. This would very much depend on a few factors:
- Electricity prices in your area
- Duration and frequency of use
- Type and settings of the blanket
We can work it out with this simple formula:
Electric Cost = kWh x 13 cents
[1.6 kWh x 0.13 = 20 cents]
EIA states that the average cost of electricity in August 2022 is around 13 cents in the United States. You can easily find this number easily by checking out EIA.
What power consumption in your electricity bill does it represent?
Electric blankets only account for a very small percentage of electricity usage in most households. The average household electricity consumption is about 890 kWh per month, according to EIA.
So, even if you were using an electric blanket every night for 4 hours, it would only be around 48 kWh (1.6 x 30 nights) a month. This is only about 5% of the average household electricity consumption.
If you compare using a washing machine for a load of laundry, the electric blanket’s usage is REALLY quite minimal. So, don’t stress too much about those chilly nights curled up under your electric blanket – it really won’t make much of a dent in your energy bill!
Electric Blanket V.S. Electric Heater – Cost Comparison
If you are wondering whether to use a heated blanket or a space heater for some extra warmth, it is important to take a look at the cost comparison.
For 4 hours:
- Electric Blanket – 400 watts of power = 20 cents
- Electric Space Heater – 1,500 watts of power= 75 cents
Space heaters are at least 4x more powerful and consume more electricity. This means that for the same amount of time, an electric space heater will use more electricity and cost you more money than an electric blanket.
How can I reduce the cost to run an electric blanket?
To reduce the cost of running an electric blanket:
- Turn off or unplug the heated blanket when not in use
- Set it to the lowest comfortable temperature setting, then heat up when necessary
- Choose an energy efficient electric blanket with lower wattage
- Investing in a dual control electric blanket so you and your partner can have different settings
- Use a timer or thermostat to automatically turn off the blanket at a set time.
Overall, a heated blanket is a great option for added warmth on those chilly nights – just make sure to use it efficiently to minimize heating costs.
Conclusion
An average electric blanket consumes 200-400 Watts of electricity which costs around 20 cents for 4 hours of usage. It also only accounts for a small percentage of the household’s total electricity consumption. When compared to an electric space heater, it is more energy and cost efficient to use an electric blanket for those chilly nights.
Check out the warmest electric blanket on the market right now!
FAQ
Do electric blankets raise your electric bill?
Electric blankets do not raise your monthly electric bill by much, especially when compared to other home appliances.
What energy-saving features should I look for when buying an electric blanket?
Dual controls, lower wattage, thermostat or timer settings, and automatic shut-off are all energy-saving features to consider when purchasing an electric blanket.
Can using an electric blanket save you money?
Using an electric blanket can save money compared to using a space heater for added warmth. However, it is important to use it efficiently by turning off or unplugging when not in use and setting to the lowest comfortable temperature.
Are electric blankets safe?
Electric blankets are safe as long as they are used properly and maintained regularly. It is important to read the instructions and follow the manufacturers’ guidelines. Never use worn or damaged electric blankets. Consult a doctor before using an electric blanket if you have health concerns.
Are there alternatives to an electric blanket?
Some alternatives to an electric blanket include regular blankets, hot water bottles, and heated mattress pads. However, these options may not provide the same level of warmth to use the blanket.
