How much does it cost to run an electric blanket?

Electric blankets do not carry an energy rating label, so the cost comes from the power rating on the appliance and how long it runs: watts × hours ÷ 1,000 = kWh, × your electricity price. The defaults are typical; change them to the rating plate on yours.

Where to find the numbers

The power rating is on the controller or the label sewn into the blanket: singles are typically 40–80 W, doubles and kings 100–150 W (often two controllers of 60–75 W each). Your electricity price is the unit rate on your bill (c/kWh).

What the figure is based on

On a low setting the blanket cycles and draws far less than its rating; the default two hours assumes an hour warming the bed and an hour on low.

Winter use; days a year defaults to about five months.

What changes the cost

• Setting: low settings cycle the element and draw a fraction of the rating; high for the whole night is the maximum case.
• Pre-heating and switching off: an hour to warm the bed and then off costs a few cents; all night on high costs the full figure.
• Size: a double or king blanket with two controllers draws roughly twice a single.
• A heated blanket warms one person for far less than heating the room.

For a specific model or any other appliance, use the electricity cost calculator.