Author: Written by a senior appliance technician with 14 years of field service experience. Based on repair logs, teardown patterns, and 500+ heating appliance service calls. Last updated October 2026.
Quick Answer
An electric blanket can save money compared to heating a whole room, but the savings depend on the blanket’s wattage, the hours it runs, your electricity rate, and the cost of the heating system it replaces. A blanket does not produce a fixed dollar saving in every home.
The electric blanket running cost formula is:
Cost per night = (Wattage × Hours) ÷ 1000 × Price per kWh
Example: A 150-watt blanket used 8 hours per night at $0.15 per kWh costs (150 × 8) ÷ 1000 × 0.15 = $0.18 per night.
The electric blanket vs central heating cost comparison depends on the heating system, the room size, the outdoor temperature, and the hours the heating would otherwise run. The blanket saves money when the cost to run an electric blanket is lower than the cost of the heating it replaces, and when the blanket lasts long enough that the purchase price is recovered.
This page explains how to calculate the electric blanket electricity cost, how to compare it with the heating system, and when a fault or a replacement can reduce the savings. For the failure modes of an electric blanket in detail, see the Electric Blanket Troubleshooting guide referenced by title at the end of this article. For the general electricity use question, see How Much Electricity Does an Electric Blanket Use referenced by title.
How Much Does an Electric Blanket Cost to Run?
Calculate Electricity Use in kWh
Electricity is billed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh is 1,000 watts used for one hour.
The formula:
kWh per night = (Wattage × Hours) ÷ 1000
Example: A 150-watt blanket used 8 hours:
kWh per night = (150 × 8) ÷ 1000 = 1.2 kWh
The electric blanket energy efficiency depends on the wattage and the control design. A blanket that cycles the power on and off at a fixed wattage uses less average electricity than a blanket that runs continuously at the same wattage. Check the electric blanket wattage on the label or the controller. For the wattage question in detail, see How Many Watts Does an Electric Blanket Use referenced by title.
Example Cost at Different Electricity Rates
The cost depends on the electricity rate in your area. The table below shows the same 1.2 kWh per night at several rates.
| Electricity Rate (per kWh) | Cost per Night | Cost per 30 Nights | Cost per 120 Nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.10 | $0.12 | $3.60 | $14.40 |
| $0.15 | $0.18 | $5.40 | $21.60 |
| $0.20 | $0.24 | $7.20 | $28.80 |
| $0.30 | $0.36 | $10.80 | $43.20 |
The rates are examples. Use the rate on your electricity bill.
How Wattage and Daily Usage Affect the Bill
Higher wattage increases the cost. Longer daily use increases the cost. The two factors multiply.
| Blanket Wattage | Hours per Night | kWh per Night | Cost per Night at $0.15/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 W | 8 | 0.48 | $0.07 |
| 100 W | 8 | 0.80 | $0.12 |
| 150 W | 8 | 1.20 | $0.18 |
| 200 W | 8 | 1.60 | $0.24 |
| 150 W | 4 | 0.60 | $0.09 |
| 150 W | 10 | 1.50 | $0.23 |
A 60-watt blanket used 8 hours costs less than a 200-watt blanket used 8 hours. A 150-watt blanket used 4 hours costs less than the same blanket used 10 hours.
The blanket’s wattage is usually printed on the label or the controller. If the label shows amperage rather than wattage, the wattage is approximately amps × 120 for a 120-volt blanket.
Electric Blanket vs. Heating the Whole Room
The comparison is not universal. The cost of heating a room depends on the heating system, the room size, the outdoor temperature, the thermostat setting, and the hours the heating runs.
When Personal Heating May Cost Less
A blanket heats a person, not a room. The electric blanket electricity cost is limited to the blanket’s wattage. A central heating system heats the entire house or the entire room, and the electricity or fuel use is much higher.
The blanket may cost less than heating the whole room when:
- The room is large and only one person is in it.
- The heating system is expensive to run (electric resistance heating, for example).
- The outdoor temperature is mild and the heating system is only needed for comfort.
- The person is stationary for long periods (sleeping, reading, watching TV).
Why the Comparison Depends on Your Home and Heating System
The electric blanket vs central heating cost varies widely. The table below shows general categories. The actual cost depends on the specific system and the local energy prices.
| Heating System | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Central gas furnace | Varies by gas price and house size | Depends on the furnace efficiency and the thermostat schedule |
| Central electric resistance | Higher than gas in most areas | Depends on the electricity rate |
| Heat pump | Lower than electric resistance in most areas | Depends on the outdoor temperature and the system efficiency |
| Space heater (electric) | Depends on wattage and hours | Direct comparison with the blanket is possible |
Do not compare the blanket’s cost to a single central heating figure from another home. Compare it to your own heating cost. For the direct comparison with a space heater, see Electric Blanket vs Space Heater Cost referenced by title.
How Much Could You Save in a Winter?
A Transparent Savings Calculation
The cost to run an electric blanket and the savings calculation requires four inputs:
- Electric blanket running cost per night.
- Heating cost per night if the blanket is not used.
- Number of nights the blanket is used.
- Blanket purchase price and expected lifespan.
Example:
- Electric blanket running cost per night: $0.18 (150 W, 8 hours, $0.15/kWh)
- Heating cost per night without the blanket: $2.00 (example only; use your own figure)
- Nights per winter: 120
- Blanket purchase price: $60
- Expected lifespan: 2 years
The $2.00 per night heating cost is an example only. The actual heating cost depends on the heating system, the room size, the outdoor temperature, and the hours the heating would otherwise run. Use your own heating cost in the calculation.
Blanket cost per winter = $0.18 × 120 = $21.60
Heating cost avoided per winter = $2.00 × 120 = $240.00
Gross savings per winter = $240.00 − $21.60 = $218.40
Purchase cost per winter = $60 ÷ 2 = $30.00
Net savings per winter = $218.40 − $30.00 = $188.40
The example shows the calculation method. The result depends on the actual figures for your home.
The Variables That Change the Result
The result changes with:
- Electricity rate: higher rates reduce the savings.
- Blanket wattage: higher wattage reduces the savings.
- Hours per night: longer use reduces the savings.
- Heating cost: higher heating cost increases the savings.
- Purchase price: higher price reduces the savings.
- Electric blanket lifespan: shorter lifespan reduces the savings. For the lifespan question in detail, see How Long Do Electric Blankets Last referenced by title.
A blanket that costs $0.18 per night saves more than a blanket that costs $0.30 per night, if the heating cost is the same. A blanket that lasts 3 years saves more than a blanket that lasts 1 year, if the purchase price is the same.
When an Electric Blanket May Not Save Money
High Electricity Rates or Long Operating Hours
If the electricity rate is high, the electric blanket running cost per night increases. If the blanket runs for long hours, the electric blanket running cost per night increases. In either case, the savings compared to heating may be smaller than expected.
The calculation above shows the effect. Use your own rate and your own hours.
Repairs, Replacement, and Product Lifespan
A repair cost reduces the savings. A replacement cost reduces the savings. If the blanket fails within the expected lifespan, the purchase cost per winter increases.
Common failure modes that affect the cost include electric blanket controller failure, electric blanket not heating, electric blanket keeps turning off, and electric blanket overheating. For a detailed failure-mode breakdown, see the Electric Blanket Troubleshooting guide referenced by title. For the repair-or-replace decision, see Electric Blanket Repair or Replace referenced by title. For the question of whether repair is possible at all, see Can You Repair an Electric Blanket referenced by title.
Example: A $60 blanket expected to last 2 years fails after 1 year. A second $60 blanket is needed. The purchase cost per winter becomes $60, not $30. The net savings per winter falls accordingly.
Why do electric blankets fail this quickly? Field trend shows the internal wiring and the controller are the main wear points. The electric blanket keeps breaking pattern is usually a sign of a low-quality blanket or a high-usage pattern. For the durability question, see Heated Blanket Durability referenced by title. For the longest-lasting options, see Longest Lasting Heated Blanket referenced by title.
Faults That Make the Blanket Unsafe to Use
A blanket with a damaged cord, a visible rip near the wiring, an overheating condition, or a persistent fault state is a safety hazard. Do not continue to use a faulty blanket to preserve the savings. Replace the blanket.
Safety conditions that require replacement:
- Damaged power cord.
- Visible rip or tear near the internal wiring.
- Overheating on a low setting.
- Blinking or fault light that does not clear.
- Burning smell or visible scorching.
Do not attempt to bypass any safety feature, including the auto-off timer or the thermal cutoff. These features are designed to prevent fire and injury. Do not use tape to repair a damaged cord. For the fire and burn risk question, see Electric Blanket Fire and Burn Risks referenced by title. For the broader safety question, see Are Electric Blankets Safe referenced by title. For the sleep-specific safety question, see Is It Safe to Sleep With an Electric Blanket referenced by title.
If a blanket is used after washing and shows a fault, see Electric Blanket Not Working After Washing referenced by title. If a blanket is used after storage and shows a fault, see Electric Blanket Not Working After Storage referenced by title.
Does Losing Heat Increase the Cost?
Distinguish Reduced Warmth From Increased Electricity Use
A blanket that loses warmth does not necessarily use more electricity. A blanket that produces less heat may use the same electricity, or less. The electricity use is determined by the wattage and the hours of operation, not by how warm the blanket feels.
The cost impact of reduced warmth is indirect. The user may respond by:
- Turning the blanket to a higher setting. This increases the electricity use.
- Running the blanket for longer. This increases the electricity use.
- Replacing the blanket. This adds a replacement cost.
The reduced warmth itself does not increase the electricity use. The user’s response to the reduced warmth may increase the cost.
When to Stop Using a Faulty Blanket
Stop using the blanket and replace it if:
- The blanket no longer heats on any setting. See Electric Blanket Not Heating referenced by title.
- The blanket heats inconsistently.
- The blanket overheats on a low setting. See Electric Blanket Overheating referenced by title.
- The blanket shows a blinking light or a fault state that does not clear.
- The controller or cord is damaged. See Electric Blanket Controller Failure referenced by title.
- The fabric is ripped near the wiring.
A blanket that loses warmth gradually may still be usable at a higher setting, but the higher setting increases the electricity use. The cost calculation should use the new setting.
If the fault is a safety condition, stop use immediately. The cost of a replacement is lower than the cost of a fire.
How to Keep Running Costs Predictable
Follow the Manufacturer’s Usage Instructions
The manufacturer’s instructions specify the safe operating conditions. Follow them.
- Use the blanket on the correct voltage.
- Do not use the blanket with a damaged cord.
- Do not fold the blanket while in use.
- Do not place heavy objects on the blanket.
- Follow the washing instructions.
The instructions also specify the electric blanket timer settings and the automatic shut-off behavior. A blanket with a 3-hour auto-off uses less electricity than a blanket that runs 8 hours, if the user does not restart it. For the auto-off issues, see Electric Blanket Auto Shut Off Problems referenced by title.
Check the Blanket’s Rated Wattage and Timer Settings
The electric blanket wattage is printed on the label or the controller. The electric blanket timer setting is usually in the controller or the manual. A lower wattage and a shorter timer reduce the cost.
Example: A 150-watt blanket with a 3-hour auto-off uses (150 × 3) ÷ 1000 = 0.45 kWh per night. At $0.15/kWh, the cost is $0.07 per night. The same blanket without the auto-off, running 8 hours, uses 1.2 kWh and costs $0.18 per night.
FAQ
How much does an electric blanket cost per night?
It depends on the electric blanket wattage, the hours, and the electricity rate. A 150-watt blanket used 8 hours at $0.15 per kWh costs about $0.18 per night. Use the formula in this guide with your own figures.
Is an electric blanket cheaper than central heating?
The electric blanket vs central heating cost comparison can favor the blanket if the blanket’s running cost is lower than the cost of heating the room. The comparison depends on the heating system, the room size, the outdoor temperature, and the hours the heating would otherwise run. Compare the blanket cost to your own heating cost, not to a general figure.
Is an electric blanket cheaper than a space heater?
An electric blanket is usually cheaper to run than a space heater because the blanket heats a person, not a room. A 150-watt blanket uses 1.2 kWh over 8 hours. A 1,500-watt space heater uses 12 kWh over 8 hours. The blanket cost is about one-tenth of the space heater cost at the same electricity rate. However, the space heater heats the room, not just the person, so the comparison depends on what you are trying to heat. See Electric Blanket vs Space Heater Cost referenced by title.
Does a higher heat setting use more electricity?
It depends on the blanket’s design. Some blankets use the same wattage at all settings and cycle the power on and off. Others use different wattages at different settings. Check the blanket’s label or manual for the wattage at each setting.
Is it worth replacing an older electric blanket?
If the blanket is faulty, yes. A faulty blanket is a safety risk and may not deliver the expected savings. If the blanket is working and within its expected lifespan, the savings calculation should use the current purchase price and the expected remaining lifespan. See Electric Blanket Repair or Replace referenced by title for the decision framework.
How long do electric blankets last?
The electric blanket lifespan varies. Field trend shows most blankets last between 1 and 3 years, depending on the quality, the usage, and the care. A blanket that fails within the expected lifespan increases the purchase cost per winter and reduces the net savings. See How Long Do Electric Blankets Last referenced by title.
Does an electric blanket save money if it fails within a year?
The savings are reduced but may not be eliminated. The calculation should include the replacement cost. A blanket that fails every year still saves money if the heating cost avoided is larger than the blanket cost plus the replacement cost.
Can I reduce the running cost by using a lower setting?
Yes, if the blanket’s wattage decreases at the lower setting. If the blanket cycles the power on and off at the same wattage, the lower setting reduces the average electricity use but not the peak wattage. See Electric Blanket Energy Efficiency referenced by title.
Do electric blankets use a lot of electricity?
No, compared to heating a room. A 150-watt blanket uses 1.2 kWh over 8 hours. A 1,500-watt space heater uses 12 kWh over 8 hours. The blanket uses much less electricity. See How Much Electricity Does an Electric Blanket Use referenced by title.
Can you repair an electric blanket?
Some faults can be repaired, but most repair shops will not work on electric blankets because of liability. DIY repair is possible for some faults but carries safety risk. See Can You Repair an Electric Blanket referenced by title.
Final Verdict: When Does an Electric Blanket Save Money?
An electric blanket saves money when three conditions are met:
- The cost to run an electric blanket is lower than the cost of the heating it replaces.
- The blanket lasts long enough that the purchase price is recovered.
- The blanket is used safely and is not a fire hazard.
The calculation is not universal. It depends on the electricity rate, the electric blanket wattage, the hours of use, the heating cost, the purchase price, and the electric blanket lifespan.
An electric blanket does not save money when:
- The electricity rate is high and the heating cost is low.
- The blanket runs for long hours at high wattage.
- The blanket fails within the expected lifespan and requires replacement.
- The blanket is faulty and unsafe to use. See Electric Blanket Fire and Burn Risks referenced by title.
Use the formula in this guide with your own figures. The result will show whether the blanket saves money in your home. For the full set of failure modes that affect the savings, see the Electric Blanket Troubleshooting guide referenced by title. For the repair-or-replace decision that affects the total cost, see Electric Blanket Repair or Replace referenced by title.
Related Guides
- Electric Blanket Troubleshooting
- Electric Blanket Not Heating
- Electric Blanket Keeps Turning Off
- Electric Blanket Overheating
- Electric Blanket Controller Failure
- Electric Blanket Fire and Burn Risks
- Electric Blanket Not Working After Washing
- Electric Blanket Not Working After Storage
- How Much Electricity Does an Electric Blanket Use
- How Many Watts Does an Electric Blanket Use
- Electric Blanket vs Central Heating Cost
- Electric Blanket vs Space Heater Cost
- Electric Blanket Energy Efficiency
- How Long Do Electric Blankets Last
- Heated Blanket Durability
- Longest Lasting Heated Blanket
- Why Do Electric Blankets Fail
- Electric Blanket Keeps Breaking
- Electric Blanket Auto Shut Off Problems
- Can You Repair an Electric Blanket
- Electric Blanket Repair or Replace
- Are Electric Blankets Safe
- Is It Safe to Sleep With an Electric Blanket
- Best Electric Blanket for Cold Sleepers