How Much Electricity Does Heated Blanket Use?

Heated blankets keep you cozy during cold nights, but many wonder how much electricity they actually use. 

Understanding their power consumption helps you save energy and cut costs. This guide breaks down what affects heated blankets’ electricity use and shares easy tips to keep you warm without wasting power. Let’s dive in!

• Know Your Blanket’s Wattage: Most heated blankets use 60–100 watts, depending on size and settings.
  
  

• Use Lower Heat Settings: Medium or low settings keep you warm while saving electricity.
  
  

• Time It Right: Preheat your bed and use a timer to avoid running the blanket all night.
  
  

• Layer Smartly: Add extra bedding to retain heat and reduce blanket usage.
  
  

• Choose Efficient Models: Look for automatic shut-off, smart controls, and energy-saving features.

A heated blanket’s energy consumption depends mainly on its size and heat setting. A large heated blanket might use up to 100 watts, while smaller throws use around 60 watts. 

Using lower heat settings conserves energy, and blankets with adjustable temperature controls help balance warmth and efficiency.

Larger blankets cover more surface area and require more power to heat evenly. While smaller blankets are more energy-efficient, good insulation and adjustable heat controls on larger blankets can improve energy savings

Heat settings have a direct impact on power usage. Lower or medium heat settings save electricity by reducing the blanket’s power draw, while higher settings use more energy.

High-quality insulation traps warmth effectively, allowing the blanket to use less power. Quilted designs and thicker insulation improve heat retention, while poor insulation causes more electricity consumption.

The longer you run the blanket, the more energy it consumes. Limiting usage to shorter periods or preheating your bed before sleep can save electricity.

Colder room temperatures make the blanket work harder, increasing energy use. Good room insulation helps reduce heat loss and lowers electricity consumption.

Modern heated blankets often include automatic shut-off timers and temperature sensors to reduce power use without sacrificing comfort.

Older blankets may use more electricity due to worn insulation or heating elements. Upgrading to newer, energy-efficient models can save energy and money.

Check the wattage label on your blanket or its manual to know its rated power. For actual consumption, use a wattage meter or smart plug that tracks energy usage over time. 

These tools provide real-time data through apps, making it easy to monitor and compare energy use.

Reducing the heat setting decreases power use since the blanket doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain warmth. 

Low to medium settings provide comfort while saving energy and extending the blanket’s lifespan.

Timers help control when your heated blanket runs, preventing it from operating all night unnecessarily. 

Usually, 1 to 3 hours is enough to preheat your bed before sleep. Timers also reduce fire risk by shutting the blanket off automatically. 

Adding extra blankets or thicker sheets traps body heat, allowing you to lower the heated blanket’s temperature or turn it off earlier. Materials like fleece, wool, or flannel hold warmth effectively.

Use the blanket for 15 to 30 minutes on medium heat to warm your bed, then turn it off. The bedding retains the heat, reducing total electricity use and lowering safety risks.

Look for blankets with lower wattage, automatic shut-off, and multiple heat settings. Energy Star certified models or those with smart controls help save power and money.

Even when off, plugged-in blankets can draw a small amount of standby power. Unplugging completely stops this waste and reduces fire risk.

Regular cleaning keeps your blanket working properly. Dirt or damage can reduce heating efficiency, causing higher electricity use. Follow manufacturer instructions for washing and drying.