The cheapest way to stay warm
An electric blanket generally uses between 50 and 200 watts. Running a 100-watt blanket for 8 hours overnight consumes less than 1 kWh of electricity, making it incredibly cheap to operate compared to a space heater or central heating system.
Zone heating for your bed
By warming yourself rather than the entire room, you can lower your home's central thermostat by several degrees at night. This strategy can save 5-10% on your total winter heating bill, far offsetting the tiny cost of running the blanket.
Smart usage tips
For maximum efficiency, turn the blanket on high a few minutes before getting into bed to preheat the sheets. Once you are comfortable, switch it to a lower setting or use a timer to turn it off automatically.
Rate source and limits
The default rate is the EIA U.S. residential average for April 2026, retrieved July 16, 2026. It is an average revenue per kilowatt-hour, not a quote for your utility plan. Fixed fees, taxes, tiers, and time-of-use prices can change the bill.
Open the EIA source