Are electric blankets expensive to run?

Electric blankets - are they worth your investment, or should you consider a different way to stay warm this winter? Here's everything you need to know before buying an electric blanket.

Do electric blankets use a lot of electricity?

Electricity blankets vary in power per hour. Electric power ratings are shown in watts (w). Often, single-sized blankets use between 40 to 60 watts, a double blanket around 80 watts, and king-size blankets can use up to 250 watts.

How much does an electric blanket cost to run?

Electric blankets are a popular choice during winter months. They keep you toasty in bed and help reduce the need to heat rooms you're not using.

But, are electric blankets a cost-effective solution? There's a lot of information to suggest they're a cheaper option, but running costs vary greatly depending on different manufacturer's claims.

To work out how much an electric blanket will cost you, you'll first need to know its power rating. This is often shown on the product label, in the manual your blanket came with, or on the product specifications if you're looking to buy a new one.
 

Now comes the maths! To calculate how much electricity your blanket uses, you'll need to:

• Multiply the blanket's wattage by the number of hours you switch it on, multiplied by how much you pay per unit rate of electricity.
• So, if your electric blanket uses 70 kilowatts per hour (kWh), multiply 0.07 by the unit rate you pay for electricity (you can find this on your electricity bill).

For example, using Ofgem's January 2026 price cap typical rate of 27.69p per kilowatt hour:

0.07 x £0.2769 = 0.019383

In other words, switching on an electric blanket with a power rating of 70 watts for one hour will cost a person on a variable electricity tariff set at 27.69p per kWh, 1.9p an hour to use.

We looked at how much it can cost to use an electric blanket for an hour each night from November through to February:

It's worth remembering that some electric blankets have different heat settings. If you don't use the highest setting, you'll save money, as less energy is needed to heat the blanket.

Are electric blankets/heated throws expensive to buy?

Prices range from around £30 to £150 depending on size and finish quality.

Are electric blankets energy efficient?

Compared to heating a whole room, electric blankets are an energy-efficient heating alternative, as they don't use a lot of electricity. They're also directing their heat just at you! However, check how much power it takes to heat your blanket and consider whether it needs the highest setting.

What are the different types of electric blankets?

There's lots on the market! You can choose from under blankets (you put them under your bed sheet), some come with separate settings for each side of the bed or blankets and throws to place over your duvet or sofa. You can also buy heated shawls, neck and shoulder warmers, and pads. The shawls and neck and shoulder warmers wrap around your top body, which is great if you work from home or sit for lengths of time. Pads are fab to warm your feet or sit on!

Here's a guide to the different types of heated warmers you can buy, and the usual energy consumption they each use:

Can you use electric blankets on mattresses?

It's often recommended you don't use an electric blanket with a memory foam mattress. The memory foam moulds to your body shape and responds to your natural body temperature. Over time, the heat from an electric blanket could alter the structure of your mattress. Also, you may overheat, as the foam can retain heat better than other mattress types. We always recommend you check with both your mattress and electric blanket manufacturer recommendations.

If you use a mattress topper, it's recommended to use an electric blanket if your topper's made from natural fibres such as wool or cotton, as synthetic materials may cause you to overheat.

How to use an electric blanket

Always read the instructions, but many come with a simple side switch or remote control. The switch or control normally has different temperature settings and a timer. Choose the heat setting and how long you want the blanket to be on, and you're good to go!

Can you wash an electric blanket?

Most modern electric blankets are designed to be washed. In many instances, simply disconnect the control cord or control panel from the blanket. The cord must not be washed. It's recommended to wash them using a mild detergent on a cool and gentle wash, leaving them to air dry. However, always refer to the instructions and manufacturer guide or handbook. 
 

Are electric blankets safe?

Yes, if you use them sensibly and many fire stations offer great advice if you're worried. 

Tips for using an electric blanket safely:

• Always read and follow the instructions and manufacturer safety advice
• Always buy a new one, you don't know how old a second-hand one is, or how safely it's been used by a previous owner
• It's recommended you buy a new one every ten years and test them every two years
• Contact your local fire station and ask if they can check your blanket - some offer this service free of charge
• Check it has the British or European standard and a safety certification mark
• Check the blanket has overheating protection
• Check for damage or wear before using it
• Only leave an electric blanket switched on overnight if it has thermostatic controls and the instructions say it's safe to do so
• If your blanket doesn't come with thermostatic controls, make sure to switch it off before falling asleep
• Never get an electric blanket wet or use a hot water bottle in bed with it
• Be careful with pets on beds with electric blankets and over blankets: not only can they overheat, but they can damage the blanket, causing it to become dangerous; perhaps look for a blanket designed specifically for animals, if you'd like to keep them toasty in the winter!
• Never use an electric blanket with an adult or infant who may struggle to switch it off
• Never use an electric blanket with a person who is insensitive to heat

Is it cheaper to use an electric blanket or heating?

Yes, it can be cheaper to use an electric blanket to heat yourself, rather than using heating to warm the whole of the room. However, please remember, that only using an electric blanket instead of heating, could lead to damp and mould in your home.

Overall pros and cons of an electric blanket

Pros

• Heats just you!
• Can save energy and your carbon footprint
• Can relieve muscle and joint pain
• Can help with a better night's sleep

Cons

• Potential fire risk if not used as recommended by the manufacturer
• Can be dangerous for animals
• Not ideal for memory foam mattresses

Other ways to reduce your energy costs

We're all aware energy prices usually go up during the winter. If you're looking for ways to help reduce costs, check if you're using the right energy tariff for your home. For example, if you're on a variable energy tariff, is this still your cheapest option? If unsure, get a new energy quote and potentially switch energy provider. The Ofgem price cap governs variable tariffs, and prices go up and down every three months. Fixed energy tariffs may be a better solution, as you can fix your rates and standing charges to make budgeting easier.

On top of checking gas and electricity tariffs, changes in how we live can help reduce energy costs and keep us cosy! Getting a smart meter can help you:

• See where you're using energy most
• Get accurate bills
• Access cheaper tariffs

Other ways to reduce energy costs for the long term include improving your home insulation, seeing if you can apply for the Warm Home Discount, and replacing an inefficient boiler with a new boiler.

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