Is an electric blanket better than having the heating on at night?

Have you ever let out a gasp as you’ve climbed between chilly sheets, feeling like you’re crawling onto a slab of ice rather than into your bed? Life’s too short for that, and sleep too important, so why not make this winter the one that you transform your bedtime for the cosier?

Invented in the early 1900s, it took until the 1970s before electric blankets became a popular way of heating chilly beds during Australia’s cold winter months. In this article, we will take a closer look at heated blankets and answer some commonly asked questions about them.

When most people talk about electric blankets, they are referring to an underblanket that is placed on top of the bed sheets and underneath any additional doona or blanket. It usually takes the form of a fitted sheet that can be placed on the mattress and then covered with regular sheets, or a flat sheet that can be spread over the bed.

However, you can also buy electric doonas, or heated throws that have heating wires woven into the fabric and can be used in place of regular doonas or overblankets. These have the added benefit of being able to be used while snuggling on the sofa.

Electric blankets use an electrical heating element to generate heat that is then distributed through the blanket. They typically have a range of temperature settings that allow you to adjust the heat to your preferred level.

Electric blankets typically use between 60 and 150 watts of power, depending on the size and settings of the blanket. A single bed electric blanket, for instance, will have a lower wattage than a king sized blanket. Even higher energy blankets, however, will use much less power than many other domestic electrical appliances.

Compared to leaving the heating on at night, using an electric blanket is typically more energy-efficient. This is because an electric blanket only heats up the bed and not the entire room, which results in significant energy savings. A hot water bottle is another energy efficient option for warming you up in bed, but the heat is concentrated in one spot and soon diminishes.

Many electric blankets are capable of reaching temperatures of around 30-40 degrees Celsius. This is much higher than you would set it while in bed though: while the average body temperature is 37 degrees, the ideal temperature in which to sleep is around 17-19 degrees, according to the Sleep Health Foundation. The highest heat settings should therefore only be used to quickly preheat a cold bed. Most electric blankets have adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to choose a comfortable level of warmth.

Most electric blankets take around 10-15 minutes to heat up fully. The time varies depending on the size and power of the blanket, but by the time you’re done brushing your teeth and putting your hair up in curlers, the chill should be well and truly banished from your bed.

Electric blankets are generally considered safe, as long as you take some precautions. For example, you should never leave your electric blanket switched on for extended periods of time - including all night. If you’re new to heated blankets, you might think that keeping the heat on all night sounds like bliss, but in reality you would soon find yourself overheating.

While modern electric blankets come with safety features, including automatic shut-off switches that reduce risk of fire by turning the blanket off if it gets too hot, it’s still better for it to be switched off before you go to sleep. Some blankets have a timer function that allows you to set a specific time for the blanket to turn on and off, so you can have it warm up your bed before you get in and then turn off automatically after a certain amount of time (after you've dozed off).

The maximum recommended time that a heated blanket can be switched on for varies by brand and model, so follow the instructions. You should also take care to never use electric blankets that are damaged or frayed.

Many electric blankets come with a thermostat that allows you to set a specific temperature for your bed (for most people this will be no more than about 20 degrees). The blanket will turn off automatically once it reaches that temperature and turn back on again when the temperature drops. This can help you maintain a consistent temperature during the night and save energy by not keeping the blanket on for longer than necessary.

Some people should avoid using electric blankets. Pregnant women should do so, because of the risk of overheating, which can potentially lead to birth defects. Those with diabetes can have reduced sensation in their extremities, which can make it difficult to detect if an electric blanket is too hot, potentially leading to burns. People with sensitive skin conditions, meanwhile, such as dermatitis or eczema, may also be more susceptible to burns, so should either avoid heated blankets or take particular care when using them.

Electric blankets with detachable cords and controls are usually machine washable. If your blanket can go in the washer, use a gentle cycle and mild detergent, and avoid using fabric softener. Once washed, you may be able to put the blanket in the dryer on a gentle setting, but to err on the side of caution it’s not a bad idea to just hang it up to dry.

Blankets without detachable elements need extra care when it comes to washing. To avoid getting the electrical components wet, it’s generally better to hand wash them and to air dry rather than use a dryer.

Heated blankets do vary with regards their care, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing and drying them.

The price of electric blankets varies greatly, and is largely affected by the bedding size, ranging from single to Super King. Basic heated blankets, even from quality brands such as Sunbeam and Dimplex, can start from under $70 on Appliances Online, while more advanced models with additional features can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more. 

In general, using an electric blanket is considered more energy-efficient than leaving the heating on at night because it only heats the bed and not the entire room. This means that you can use less energy and save money on your power bills. Using an electric blanket can also provide more targeted and personalised warmth, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your liking without affecting the rest of the household. So, yes, for most people it probably is worth getting an electric blanket.

If you live in a very large or poorly insulated home, however, using an electric blanket alone may not provide sufficient warmth, and leaving the heating on at a low temperature overnight may be a better option.

Appliances Online has a wide range of electric blankets to suit beds and budgets of all sizes. Check out our full range and if you need a few more tips on choosing the best electric blanket for your bed, read our Electric Blanket Buying Guide, call our friendly team 24/7 on 1300 000 500 or message us via that little chat icon in the bottom right of your screen.

We deliver electric blankets, heaters and other winter warmers to 95% of Australia’s population with Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery - and we can usually get it to you by the next day (Mon-Fri). Plus, we now offer paid Same Day Delivery in metro areas of NSW, QLD and VIC when you order before 12pm Mon-Fri.