Electric blanket running costs: is it cheaper than heating the bedroom?

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An electric blanket is one of the cheapest ways to stay warm at night in the UK. Here is what it actually costs, and how to use one safely.

The sums

We use 25p per kWh, close to the current UK price cap. Single blankets usually use about 40 to 70 W and doubles about 80 to 120 W on the highest setting, and much less on low settings.

Compared with heating the room

A portable 2 kW electric heater costs about 50p an hour at full power. Central heating for a whole house usually costs more per hour than that, because it heats every room. If the only reason you leave the heating on at night is a cold bed, a blanket and a lower thermostat setting overnight can save real money. Keep the home at a safe temperature though, especially for older people, babies or anyone with health conditions.

Underblanket or heated throw?

• Underblanket: goes under the sheet. Best for warming the bed.
• Overblanket: goes on top. Usually safe to leave on overnight on low (check the instructions).
• Heated throw: for the sofa. Usually 100 to 160 W, so about 2.5p to 4p an hour. A good way to keep the living room heating lower in the evening.

Safety checks that matter

• Replace any blanket that is over 10 years old, or has scorch marks, worn fabric or damaged wires.
• Buy from a known retailer and look for the UKCA or CE mark and a British Standard safety rating.
• Choose one with overheat protection and an automatic switch-off timer.
• Don't fold or crease it while it's on, and don't use it with a hot water bottle.
• Never use it if it has got wet.

Many fire services in the UK offer free electric blanket safety checks in winter. It is worth checking your local one.

Models to look at

Dreamland, Silentnight and Slumberdown are widely sold in the UK, at very different prices. We will add picks for singles, doubles and throws here.