heated blanket electricity cost

Understanding the Electricity Cost of Heated Blankets

As the chilly months approach, many people turn to heated blankets for comfort and warmth during the night. While these blankets can provide an incredible level of coziness, it’s important to consider the electricity costs associated with their use. In this article, we’ll explore how heated blankets work, how much electricity they consume, and the overall costs involved in using them.

How Heated Blankets Work

Heated blankets are designed with electric heating elements woven into the fabric. These elements heat the blanket when plugged into an electrical outlet, allowing users to enjoy a warm sleeping environment or comfort while lounging. Most modern heated blankets come with adjustable heat settings, which let users control the temperature to their preference. Some blankets also have timers, allowing them to turn off automatically after a certain period, conserving energy and enhancing safety.

Electricity Consumption of Heated Blankets

The electricity consumption of a heated blanket largely depends on its wattage and how long it is used. On average, a heated blanket uses about 100 to 200 watts. This means that if you leave your heated blanket on for eight hours, it would consume approximately 0.8 to 1.6 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy, since 1 kWh is equivalent to running a device that uses 1,000 watts for one hour.

To estimate the cost of operating a heated blanket, you need to know the electricity rate from your utility provider, which is usually measured in cents per kWh. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average electricity price is around 13 cents per kWh. Using this average, let’s calculate the potential costs.

Cost Calculation

Suppose you have a heated blanket that consumes 150 watts. If you use it for eight hours, the calculation would be as follows

1. Convert watts to kilowatts \[ 150 \text{ watts} = 0.15 \text{ kW} \]

2. Calculate the daily energy consumption \[ 0.15 \text{ kW} \times 8 \text{ hours} = 1.2 \text{ kWh} \]

3. Now, calculate the cost \[ 1.2 \text{ kWh} \times 0.13 \text{ dollars/kWh} = 0.156 \text{ dollars} \]

So, operating your heated blanket for eight hours would cost approximately $0.16. If you used the blanket every night for a month, it would add up to about \[ 0.156 \text{ dollars/night} \times 30 \text{ nights} = 4.68 \text{ dollars} \]

Tips for Reducing Electricity Costs

While heated blankets are relatively inexpensive to run compared to other heating options, there are still ways to minimize electricity costs further

1. Use a Timer If your blankets don’t come with a built-in timer, consider using a smart plug that can be scheduled to turn the blanket off after a few hours.

2. Lower Settings Use the lower heat settings, especially if you consider your home’s overall temperature. You might find that a lower setting is sufficient for comfort.

3. Layer Up Use additional bedding, like flannel sheets or a thicker comforter, which helps retain warmth, reducing the need for higher heat settings.

4. Check for Efficient Models Some heated blankets are designed to be more energy-efficient. When shopping, look for Energy Star-rated products.

Conclusion

Heated blankets are a fabulous way to stay warm during the winter months without incurring high energy costs. By understanding their electricity consumption and employing a few strategies for efficiency, you can enjoy the comfort they provide while managing your electricity bill. The minimal cost for the warmth and coziness they offer is often well worth it, making heated blankets a popular choice for many households. Whether curling up with a good book or snuggling in for a chilly night, these blankets can enhance your winter experience in a cost-effective manner.