Do Heated Blankets Use A Lot Of Electricity On High

As winter temperatures drop, many people turn to heated blankets for cozy warmth. They’re convenient, portable, and often more energy-efficient than cranking up the thermostat. But a common concern lingers: do heated blankets use a lot of electricity when set to high? The answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple yes or no—it depends on several factors including wattage, usage duration, insulation, and local electricity rates.

Understanding the actual energy consumption of your heated blanket helps you make informed decisions about cost, efficiency, and environmental impact. This article breaks down how heated blankets work, calculates real-world energy use, compares them to other heating methods, and provides actionable tips to minimize electricity usage—without compromising comfort.

How Heated Blankets Work and Their Power Draw

Heated blankets generate warmth through embedded electric heating elements, usually made of carbon fiber or fine metal wires. When plugged in and turned on, these elements heat up in response to electrical current. Most modern models offer multiple heat settings—typically low, medium, and high—to allow users to adjust warmth levels based on preference and room temperature.

The power consumption of a heated blanket is measured in watts (W). On average:

• Low setting: 50–80 watts
• Medium setting: 80–120 watts
• High setting: 120–150 watts

Some larger or dual-control models (like king-size electric throws with separate controls for each side) may draw up to 200 watts on high, but this is still relatively low compared to most household appliances.

Tip: Check the label or user manual of your heated blanket to find its exact wattage—this number is essential for calculating accurate energy costs.

To put this into perspective, a typical space heater uses between 750 and 1500 watts. That means even at maximum output, a heated blanket uses less than one-tenth the electricity of a standard space heater. It’s designed to warm only your body, not an entire room, which makes it inherently more efficient for personal comfort.

Calculating Electricity Use and Cost on High Setting

To determine whether a heated blanket “uses a lot” of electricity, we need to quantify both energy consumption and cost. Let’s walk through a realistic calculation using average U.S. electricity prices.

The formula for calculating energy cost is:

Energy Cost = (Wattage × Hours Used) ÷ 1000 × Electricity Rate (per kWh)

Assume the following:

• Blanket wattage on high: 150 W
• Daily usage: 8 hours (overnight)
• Electricity rate: $0.15 per kilowatt-hour (U.S. national average)

Now plug in the numbers:

(150 watts × 8 hours) ÷ 1000 = 1.2 kWh per night

1.2 kWh × $0.15 = $0.18 per night

That’s just 18 cents per night. Over a month (30 nights), that totals $5.40. Even if used every night during winter (90 days), the total cost would be around $16.20.

Usage Duration	Energy Consumed (kWh)	Cost at $0.15/kWh
1 hour on high	0.15 kWh	$0.02
4 hours on high	0.60 kWh	$0.09
8 hours on high	1.20 kWh	$0.18
30 nights (8 hrs/night)	36 kWh	$5.40
90 winter nights	108 kWh	$16.20

Compared to central heating—which can cost $50–$150+ per month depending on climate and home size—this is minimal. In fact, lowering your thermostat by just 5°F and using a heated blanket instead can reduce overall heating bills significantly.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Winter Energy Savings

Sarah lives in Minnesota, where winters are long and cold. She used to keep her thermostat at 70°F at night, running her furnace continuously. Her winter heating bill averaged $180 per month.

Last year, she invested in a dual-control heated blanket and adjusted her habits. She now sleeps with the blanket on high for the first hour to warm the bed, then switches to low or turns it off after falling asleep. She also lowered her thermostat to 62°F at night.

Her furnace runs about 30% less, and her heating bill dropped to $125 per month—a $55 monthly saving. Even accounting for the increased electricity from the blanket (~$6/month), she saved nearly $50 per month. Over four winter months, that’s $200 in savings.

This case illustrates how strategic use of a heated blanket—even on high—can lead to net energy and cost reductions when paired with smart thermostat management.

Expert Insight: What Energy Analysts Say

“Heated blankets are among the most energy-efficient personal heating solutions available. Because they deliver warmth directly to the body rather than heating air, they require far less energy than conventional systems.” — Dr. Linda Tran, Senior Energy Analyst at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Experts agree that localized heating technologies like heated blankets, heated mattress pads, and wearable electric garments represent a shift toward “microclimate” comfort strategies. These approaches align with energy conservation goals by reducing reliance on whole-room or whole-house heating.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating accounts for nearly 30% of residential energy use. By adopting targeted heating tools like electric blankets, households can maintain comfort while cutting overall energy demand.

Maximizing Efficiency: Tips to Reduce Electricity Use

You don’t have to avoid the high setting entirely—but using it wisely can help balance comfort and efficiency. Here are practical steps to get the most out of your heated blanket without overusing electricity.

Tip: Use pre-heating mode: Turn the blanket on high 30 minutes before bed, then lower the setting or unplug it once you're under the covers.

• Layer smartly: Combine your heated blanket with warm pajamas and a thick duvet. This allows you to use a lower heat setting or shorter runtime.
• Use timers: Many modern blankets have auto-shutoff features (e.g., 3, 6, or 10 hours). Set the timer to match your sleep routine—no need to run all night.
• Warm the bed, not the night: Heat the bed before getting in, then turn it off. Your body retains warmth, especially under layers.
• Maintain your blanket: Regular cleaning and proper storage prevent overheating and inefficiency. Dust and fabric compression can affect heat distribution.
• Choose newer models: Modern heated blankets are more energy-efficient due to improved materials and digital thermostats. Look for Energy Star-certified or low-wattage designs.

Checklist: How to Use Your Heated Blanket Efficiently

1. ✅ Check the wattage label on your blanket
2. ✅ Use high setting only when needed (e.g., initial warming)
3. ✅ Enable auto-shutoff or timer function
4. ✅ Layer with natural insulators (wool socks, flannel sheets)
5. ✅ Lower your thermostat by 5–10°F at night
6. ✅ Clean the blanket according to manufacturer instructions
7. ✅ Store flat or loosely folded when not in season

Comparing Heated Blankets to Other Heating Methods

To truly assess efficiency, let’s compare heated blankets to common alternatives. All values assume 8 hours of nightly use.

Heating Method	Avg. Wattage	Nightly Energy Use (kWh)	Cost per Night ($0.15/kWh)
Heated blanket (high)	150 W	1.2 kWh	$0.18
Heated mattress pad	100 W	0.8 kWh	$0.12
Small space heater	1,000 W	8.0 kWh	$1.20
Central heating (gas/electric)	Varies	15–30 kWh*	$2.25–$4.50
Hot water bottle (electric boil)	1,500 W (5 min)	0.125 kWh	$0.02

*Estimate based on heating a bedroom; actual use varies by insulation and system efficiency.

The data shows that even on high, a heated blanket uses significantly less electricity than space heaters or central systems. While hot water bottles are cheaper per use, they provide only short-term warmth. Heated blankets offer sustained, adjustable heat with minimal energy investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to leave a heated blanket on high all night?

Most modern heated blankets are designed with safety features like overheat protection and automatic shutoff, making them generally safe. However, it’s not recommended to leave any electric blanket on high all night. Prolonged exposure to high heat can cause skin dryness or mild burns, especially for sensitive individuals. Use timers and switch to lower settings after warming the bed.

Do newer heated blankets use less electricity?

Yes. Advances in heating wire technology, digital controls, and insulation materials have made newer models more energy-efficient. Many now consume 20–30% less power than older versions while providing better heat distribution. Look for brands that specify low-wattage operation or energy-saving modes.

Can using a heated blanket reduce my overall heating bill?

Absolutely. By allowing you to lower your home’s thermostat—especially at night—you can significantly cut heating costs. For every degree you lower your thermostat over eight hours, you save about 1% on heating energy. Dropping from 70°F to 62°F could save 8% or more. Pair that with a heated blanket, and you maintain comfort while reducing system load.

Final Thoughts: Smart Heating for a Sustainable Winter

So, do heated blankets use a lot of electricity on high? The answer is no—not in absolute or practical terms. A typical heated blanket consumes about 150 watts, costing less than 20 cents per night to run for eight hours. Compared to alternative heating methods, it’s one of the most efficient ways to stay warm during cold months.

The key is mindful usage. You don’t need to avoid the high setting altogether; instead, use it strategically. Warm your bed quickly, then reduce the heat or turn it off. Combine it with good bedding and a slightly cooler room temperature to maximize comfort and minimize energy waste.

Heated blankets aren’t just about convenience—they’re a tool for smarter energy use. As energy costs rise and sustainability becomes more critical, small changes like switching to personal electric warmth can add up to meaningful savings and reduced environmental impact.

💬 Ready to take control of your winter energy use? Try using your heated blanket tonight with a lower thermostat setting and track how it affects your comfort and bills. Share your experience or questions in the comments—your insights could help others stay warm and save money too!