Electric Blanket Watt Usage: What You Should Know
Electric blankets are a convenient way to stay warm in chilly weather, but how much power do they actually use? Whether you're using an electric blanket for a comfortable night's sleep or to warm up before bed, understanding the wattage and how it affects your electricity bill is important.
In this blog, we will break down electric blanket watt usage, explore how different sizes and temperature settings impact power consumption, and provide a clearer picture of how much it costs to run one. We'll also discuss factors that can influence the wattage used by these devices. Dive in now!
Types of Electric Blankets
Before we get into the details of electricity usage, let’s take a moment to explore the different types of electric blankets available.
Over Blankets
Over blankets are designed to be placed on top of the bed, much like a regular blanket. They are generally used to provide warmth on colder nights. These blankets are typically lightweight and can cover the entire bed or just part of it, depending on your preference.
Under Blankets
Under blankets are placed directly beneath your sheets and are designed to warm up the bed before you get in. Because they are placed underneath the body, under blankets provide a more direct and consistent warmth. They often require less power than over blankets but can still be quite effective.
Throw Blankets
Throw blankets are smaller in size and are usually used to warm a specific area, such as your feet or legs. They are portable, easy to move, and can be used for various purposes, such as keeping you warm while watching TV or relaxing. While throw blankets are smaller, they can still have a significant impact on your power consumption depending on their design.
How Many Watts Does an Electric Blanket Use?
Electric blankets are typically designed to operate within a wattage range of 50 to 150 watts. However, the specific wattage depends on several factors, including the blanket's size, brand, and temperature settings.
Comparison by Size
The size of the electric blanket is one of the main factors that determines electric blanket power consumption. Larger blankets require more electricity to heat up the entire surface area.
Here is a comparison of heating blanket power consumption by size:
Size | Approximate Wattage (W) |
Small (Twin) | 50 |
Medium (Full/Queen) | 80 |
Large (King) | 120 |
From this chart, we can see that smaller electric blankets (such as twin-size) typically use less power, while larger blankets (like king-size) require more energy to operate.
Comparison by Temperature Settings
Electric blankets usually come with adjustable temperature settings, which directly impact how much power they use.
Here’s a breakdown of electric blanket energy use by temperature setting:
Temperature Setting | Approximate Wattage (W) |
Low (Mild Warmth) | 50 |
Medium | 80 |
High | 120 |
Ultra High | 150 |
As we can see from this chart, electric blanket wattage use increases as you select higher temperature settings. A mild warmth setting uses the least amount of power, while an ultra-high setting uses the most.
How Much Will It Cost to Run An Electric Blanket?
Now that we have a better understanding of the wattage used by electric blankets, let’s explore how much it will cost to run one.
To calculate the cost, you can multiply the wattage by the time of usage and then by the electricity rate in your region.
Let’s assume the following parameters:
Usage rate: 30 cents per kWh.
Usage time: 8 hours per day.
Usage period: 3 months (approximately 90 days).
Cost Comparison by Size
Size | Approximate Daily Cost | Approximate Monthly Cost | Approximate 3-Month Cost |
Small (Twin) | $0.12 | $3.60 | $10.80 |
Medium (Full/Queen) | $0.19 | $5.76 | $17.28 |
Large (King) | $0.29 | $8.64 | $25.92 |
From this chart, we can see that smaller electric blankets like the twin size cost significantly less to run compared to larger sizes like the king size.
Cost Comparison by Temperature Setting
Temperature Setting | ApproximateDaily Cost | Approximate Monthly Cost | Approximate 3-Month Cost |
Low (Mild Warmth) | $0.12 | $3.60 | $10.80 |
Medium | $0.19 | $5.76 | $17.28 |
High | $0.29 | $8.64 | $25.92 |
Ultra High | $0.36 | $10.80 | $32.40 |
As shown in the chart, the cost increases with higher temperature settings. Using the blanket on ultra-high settings will increase the overall cost more significantly over a three-month period.
Factors Affecting Electric Blanket Wattage
As we’ve seen, the wattage of electric blankets can vary depending on several factors. Understanding these key factors can help you choose an energy-efficient model and manage your electricity usage effectively.
Blanket Size and Coverage
As discussed earlier, the size of the electric blanket is one of the main factors affecting wattage. Larger blankets need more energy to heat up the entire surface area. Additionally, the type of fabric used can influence how efficiently the heat is retained.
Temperature Settings and Heat Levels
The higher the temperature setting, the more power the blanket will consume. Most electric blankets have multiple heat settings, allowing you to adjust the warmth according to your needs. Using the blanket on high settings will naturally increase the wattage consumption.
Usage Duration
The length of time the blanket is used also directly impacts total energy consumption. For example, a 100-watt blanket for 8 hours consumes 0.8 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, while consuming less when used shorter time.
Material and Insulation
The fabric's insulating properties affect how well your blanket retains heat. Materials like fleece or wool can maintain warmth more effectively, potentially reducing the need for higher heat settings.
Blanket Features
Modern electric blankets often incorporate advanced heating elements that distribute heat more evenly and efficiently, potentially lowering overall power consumption. Moreover, some electric blankets come with advanced features such as dual controls, timers, or automatic shut-off functions, providing convenience and safety and saving energy by ensuring the blanket doesn’t stay on for longer than needed.
Looking for energy-efficient solutions for your electric blanket and other devices? The increasing solar energy, especially solar panels used with portable power stations, provides a sustainable way to reduce your electricity bills.
For example, if you have a EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station, you can pair it with solar panels to reduce your reliance on the grid. With a 4096Wh battery capacity and a 4000W max continuous output, this unit is capable of powering appliances such as electric heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, and, of course, your electric blankets. If your energy plan includes a feed-in tariff, you could also receive compensation for surplus energy produced, further lowering your costs.
Additionally, if your electric blanket features energy-saving modes or timers, you can set it to run only when necessary, effectively minimizing energy consumption and reducing your overall electricity bill.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
Conclusion
Electric blanket watt usage can vary significantly depending on factors such as size, temperature settings, and duration of use. Small blankets typically use less power than larger ones, and lower temperature settings will cost you less in electricity.
To save on your energy bills, consider opting for a lower-wattage blanket, taking advantage of advanced features like timers or auto-off functions, or investing in a renewable energy solution like a solar generator. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy the comfort of your electric blanket while keeping your electricity costs in check.
FAQs
How many watts do electric blankets use?
Electric blankets typically use between 50 to 150 watts per hour, depending on factors such as size, temperature settings, and the brand. Smaller blankets like twin-size models usually use around 50 watts, while larger blankets or higher temperature settings can consume more energy, up to 150 watts.
How much power does an electric blanket use in Australia?
In Australia, electric blankets typically use between 50 to 150 watts, depending on their size and heat settings. Running one for 8 hours might consume about 0.4 to 1.2 kWh, costing roughly 10 to 30 cents per night, making them a low-cost heating option.
How much does a 70W electric blanket cost to run?
To calculate the running cost of a 70W electric blanket, assuming a usage rate of 30 cents per kWh and 8 hours of use per day, the daily cost would be 70*8/1000*0.3, which is approximately 16.8 cents. Over a month, this would cost around $5.04, and over three months, it would total $15.12.
What size inverter do I need to run an electric blanket?
To run an electric blanket, you will need an inverter with sufficient capacity to handle the wattage of the blanket. For example, a 70W electric blanket would require an inverter rated at least 100W for reliable operation, factoring in inefficiencies. Larger blankets or higher wattage blankets may require inverters rated 200W or more.