How electric blanket energy consumption works

How many kWh does it use per minute?

To give you an idea, every minute that an electric blanket of the characteristics described above remains on, it costs 0.0003575. Each hour costs 0.02145 euros. If you control the time it is on and make efficient use of it then consumption is very low. With this in mind, you are recommended to choose a model of electric blanket that has a regulator with several functions that can be adapted to how you wish to use the product.

What proportion of the consumption in your electricity bill does it represent?

The same IDAE study gives an average electricity consumption of 7,859.112 kWh per apartment. So if we take the previous example we can calculate that the consumption of an electric blanket barely represents 1.37% of the annual electricity consumption for a household.

Benefits of an electric blanket

While electric blankets offer several benefits, it's important to understand how to use them properly and tailor their application to our specific needs:

• They provide quick, targeted warmth: heating the bed where you'll be spending several hours sleeping helps reduce heating in unused areas of the home. This not only prevents energy waste but also saves on heating costs.

• They're useful for relieving pain: certain areas of the body require gentle and constant heat, and electric blankets are perfect for providing this relief due to their versatility. You can easily position the blanket over different parts of your body and even move it from room to room and enjoy its warmth wherever you go.

• That said, heat application and its intensity should always be prescribed by a specialist, who will determine whether an electric blanket is suitable for your specific circumstances. Heat can worsen certain medical conditions. The blanket should never come into direct contact with the skin. To avoid burns, always ensure there is a fabric layer between the blanket and your skin.

• Their thermostat adjusts to regulate both temperature and energy usage: the blanket will turn off when it reaches the desired temperature and turn back on if the temperature drops, ensuring constant, worry-free warmth. Some models even have dual settings, one for each side of the bed, allowing each person to control the temperature as they prefer. If your blanket doesn't have a timer, make sure to turn it off before you fall asleep.

• Electric blankets are safe: when used according to the instructions and following the necessary precautions, they are a safe and easy-to-use appliance.

• They're energy-efficient: as we've mentioned, electric blankets use very little energy compared to other household appliances, particularly heating devices, which makes them an easy and efficient option for warming your bed.

• They're easy to wash: modern electric blanket models can safely be machine-washed and tumble-dried, as long as you follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Never iron or dry-clean an electric blanket.

• They're practical: they're easy to store and handle, as they're lightweight and usually not bulky.

Tips for prolonging the life of your electric blanket

• Always follow the usage instructions. Use it only for its intended purpose. Ensure it has a label or code that certifies compliance with European Union safety standards, or an equivalent branding if you're outside the EU.

• Avoid purchasing a used blanket unless you're sure it's in perfect condition, has had minimal usage, and was manufactured recently.

• Always unplug it when not in use. Avoid plugging it into outlets controlled by a light switch, as it could accidentally turn on and remain powered for hours.

• Inspect it regularly. Unfold your electric blanket, inspect it carefully, and if you notice any imperfections, unusual folds, or burn marks, refrain from using it and contact customer services. Don't forget to check the condition of the internal wiring. A simple way to do this is by holding the blanket up to the light and checking that the wires are in place and do not show signs of damage.

• Avoid shaking it or using strong spin cycles, as this could disrupt the wiring. After washing, wait for the blanket to dry completely before plugging it back in and using it again.

• Wait until the blanket has completely cooled before folding or rolling it up, as this could damage the wiring. Also, avoid turning it on before fully unfolding it.

• When storing it, roll or fold it carefully, and avoid placing heavy objects on top, as this could damage the internal wiring of the heating elements. 

• When you're using it, refrain from tucking the edges or corners under the mattress. Avoid using it on adjustable beds, air mattresses, or waterbeds, and don’t combine it with similar items that contain internal wiring or heating elements, such as heated pillows, hot water bottles, or other electric blankets.