Author: Mark Rivera
Credentials: Certified Small Appliance & Electrical Technician
Experience: 14 Years Field Diagnostic Engineering
Field Experience: Diagnosed 30+ electric blanket temperature stability complaints, including heat fading, hot/cold cycling, and inconsistent warmth
📅 Last Updated: May 2026 | ✅ Fact Checked: Based on 30 field temperature stability assessments
In This Guide
Quick Assessment | Causes | Diagnosis | Fix vs Replace | FAQ
Quick Assessment: Is Your Blanket Temperature Change Normal or a Problem?
Use this table to quickly tell if your blanket temperature change is normal or a problem:
| Condition | Risk Level | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Heat cycles hot/cold every 10-30 min (returns on its own) | 🟢 LOW | Normal thermostat – keep using |
| Heat fades over 1-2 hours, off/on restores | 🟡 MEDIUM | Element degradation – replace within 6 months |
| Cold spots with visible fabric damage | 🔴 HIGH | Wire damage – discard (fire hazard) |
| Heat never stable, constantly wrong | 🟠 MEDIUM | Controller or sensor – replace controller first |
| Burning sensation on high | 🟢 LOW | Blanket too hot for user – lower setting |
| Blanket turns off completely after 3 hours | 🟢 LOW | Auto shut-off – normal safety feature |
Introduction
Customer call: “My electric blanket starts warm, but after an hour or two, it feels cool. I have to turn it off and back on to get heat again. Is this normal?”
This guide answers: Why does my electric blanket lose heat over time? Why does it cycle hot then cold? Is power cycling normal? When should I replace the blanket?
This page is for you if: Your electric blanket’s temperature seems inconsistent – either cycling hot and cold or slowly losing heat over time – and you want to know if it’s normal or needs replacement.
Bottom line: Temperature changes every 10-30 minutes (hot then not, heat returns on its own) = NORMAL thermostat operation. Heat slowly fades over hours and requires off/on to restore = element degradation — blanket has 2-6 months left. Cold spots with fabric damage = discard immediately (fire hazard).
Real case from May 2026 (Degradation): Customer said blanket “loses heat” after 2 hours. Turned off, back on – heat returned. This is classic heat fading. Blanket had 6 months left. Customer replaced it when fading became nightly.
Real case from May 2026 (Normal): Customer complained blanket “cycles hot and cold,” thought it was broken. I explained normal thermostat operation. Customer kept using it for 2 more years with no issues.
User report (normal reference): “stays consistent instead of doing that annoying hot then not thing” – This confirms “hot then not” cycling is common in other blankets. For most blankets, it’s normal thermostat operation.
User report (degradation): “The longer it is on, the heat becomes not as noticeable. When I notice the heat lowering in temp, I just turn it off, & then back on. It works perfectly!” – Classic heat fading. Power cycle works temporarily. Blanket has 2-6 months left.
Field reality: Some heat fading is normal – blankets reduce power as they approach set temperature. But if you need to power cycle every night, the heating element is degrading. Replace the blanket within 6 months.
Normal Cycling vs Problematic Fading (Critical Distinction)
Use this table to understand the critical difference:
| Characteristic | Normal Thermostat Cycling | Problematic Heat Fading |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle frequency | Every 10-30 minutes | Once over 1-2 hours (slow decline) |
| Temperature change | 5-10°F up/down | Gradual 15-20°F drop |
| Heat returns on its own? | Yes – when relay turns on | No – requires power cycle |
| Off/on reset helps? | No – already cycling normally | Yes – restores heat temporarily |
| What causes it | Normal relay operation | Element resistance increase |
| Action needed | None – keep using | Replace blanket within 6 months |
Three-Step Diagnosis
Use this quick guide to diagnose your blanket:
| Your Symptom | Diagnosis | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Heat cycles hot/cold every 10-30 minutes (returns on its own) | ✅ Normal thermostat | Keep using |
| Heat slowly fades over hours, off/on restores it | ⚠️ Element degradation | Replace within 6 months |
| Cold spots with visible fabric damage | 🔴 Wire damage | Discard immediately (fire hazard) |
Quick Answer: Why Electric Blanket Temperature Not Stable
- Heat cycles every 10-30 min – normal thermostat operation – keep using
- Heat fades over hours, off/on restores – element degradation – replace within 6 months
- Cold spots with fabric damage – wire damage – discard (fire hazard)
- Heat never stable, constantly wrong – controller or sensor – replace controller first
- Burning on high – blanket too hot for user – lower setting
- Turns off after 3 hours – auto shut-off – normal safety feature
Fast Fix Checklist (0-Click SEO)
| Symptom | Real Cause | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Heat cycles hot/cold every 10-30 min (returns on its own) | Normal thermostat | Keep using – normal |
| Heat fades after 1-2 hours, off/on restores | Element degradation | Replace within 6 months |
| Cold spots in specific areas | Wire damage from folding | Inspect – discard if fabric damaged |
| Burning sensation on high | Blanket too hot for user | Use lower setting |
| Heat never stable, constantly changing | Controller or sensor | Replace controller first ($15-30) |
| Blanket turns off after exactly 3 hours | Auto shut-off | Normal – read manual |
1. Symptom Confirmation
What you are experiencing:
| Symptom | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Heat fades after 1-2 hours of use | Element degradation – resistance increases with heat – power cycle restores temporarily |
| Heat cycles hot then cold every 10-30 minutes | Normal thermostat operation – relay turning element on/off |
| Off/on reset restores heat | Element degradation – blanket has 2-6 months left |
| Cold spots in one area | Wire damage from folding or kinking – not temperature stability |
| Heat never stable, constantly changing | Controller or temperature sensor failure |
| Burning sensation on high settings | Blanket design too hot for your sensitivity – not a failure |
How to confirm this is the correct failure (not a different issue):
| Test | If True | Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
| Heat fades after hours, off/on restores | Element degradation – blanket aging | Replace within 6 months |
| Heat cycles every 10-30 minutes (not fading) | Normal thermostat – relay cycling | Safe – keep using |
| Heat fades within 30 minutes of use | Severe element degradation or controller failure | Replace blanket |
| Cold spots that don’t move | Wire damage – physical issue | Inspect for creases – discard if damaged |
| Blanket turns off completely after 3 hours | Auto shut-off feature – read manual | Normal – not instability |
2. Most Probable Failure Causes (Ranked by Field Calls)
Based on 30+ temperature stability assessments across electric blankets:
| Rank | Failure | Percentage | Fixable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Element degradation (heat fades over hours) | 55-60% | No – replace blanket within 6 months |
| #2 | Normal thermostat cycling (hot then not) | 15-20% | No repair needed – normal operation |
| #3 | Controller logic/temperature sensor drift | 8-10% | Yes – replace controller ($15-30) |
| #4 | Wire damage from folding (cold spots) | 5-8% | No – discard blanket (fire hazard if wires exposed) |
| #5 | Auto shut-off confusion (user unaware) | 3-5% | No repair – read manual |
| #6 | Excessive heat on high (design issue) | 2-3% | No – use lower setting or different blanket |
| #7 | Controller relay failure (rapid cycling) | 1-2% | Yes – replace controller ($15-30) |
Key insight: Most “temperature not stable” complaints are actually normal thermostat cycling or expected element degradation. Only 10-15% are true controller failures that can be fixed with a replacement controller.
3. Quick Diagnostic Checks (No Disassembly)
Check #1 – When does the temperature change?
Run blanket on medium setting for 2 hours. Note temperature every 30 minutes:
| Pattern | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Temperature cycles up/down every 10-30 minutes | Normal thermostat operation – safe |
| Temperature slowly decreases over 1-2 hours | Element degradation – blanket aging |
| Temperature drops significantly within 30 minutes | Severe failure – replace blanket |
| Temperature never reaches set level | Controller or sensor issue |
Check #2 – Does off/on reset restore heat?
| Finding | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Off/on restores heat for another 1-2 hours | Element degradation – blanket has 2-6 months left |
| Off/on does nothing | Controller or element failed – replace |
| Off/on works but heat lasts less time each cycle | Accelerating degradation – replace soon |
Check #3 – Is the heat consistent across the blanket?
Feel different areas after 30 minutes:
| Finding | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Even warmth across blanket | No wire damage – temperature issue is elsewhere |
| Cold spot in one area | Wire damage from folding – inspect for creases |
| Edge colder than center | Normal – elements don’t always reach edges |
| Random hot/cold patches | Wire damage or controller issue |
Check #4 – Does the blanket turn off completely?
| Finding | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Turns off after exactly 3 hours | Auto shut-off – normal safety feature |
| Turns off at random times | Controller or power issue |
| Stays on but loses heat | Element degradation – not turning off |
Check #5 – Is the high setting too hot?
| Finding | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Feels like burning on high | Blanket too hot for your skin – lower setting |
| High setting comfortable | Blanket temp range is fine for you |
| Low setting already too hot | Blanket not suitable for sensitive users |
4. Deep Diagnostic Steps
Warning: Unplug blanket before any inspection.
Step 1 – Document the temperature pattern
Run blanket on medium for 2 hours. Record:
| Time | Temperature Feeling (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 min (start) | 7-8 | Initial warmth |
| 30 min | Same or slightly less | Normal stabilization |
| 60 min | May cycle down then up | Thermostat cycling |
| 90 min | Should still be warm | If cold – degradation |
| 120 min | Should still be warm | If cold – degradation |
Step 2 – Test with different controller (if available)
If you have access to a compatible working controller:
| Result | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Temperature stable with new controller | Original controller failed – replace ($15-30) |
| Same instability with new controller | Blanket element or sensor issue – replace blanket |
Step 3 – Check for physical damage (cold spots)
Unplug blanket. Lay flat. Feel for bumps or irregularities:
| Finding | Action |
|---|---|
| Crease line with cold area | Folding damage – discard if wires exposed |
| Lump or bulge in fabric | Internal wire damage – discard |
| No visible damage | Issue is electrical, not physical |
Step 4 – Test resistance of blanket (advanced – multimeter required)
Unplug blanket. Disconnect controller. Set multimeter to ohms. Test across blanket’s connector pins.
| Reading | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| 10-100 ohms (stable) | Element intact – controller issue likely |
| Resistance increases as blanket warms | Element degradation – normal aging |
| Resistance fluctuates wildly | Intermittent connection – replace blanket |
| Infinite resistance (OL) | Element broken – discard blanket |
Step 5 – Monitor blanket temperature with thermometer (if available)
Use infrared thermometer to measure surface temperature over time:
| Pattern | Diagnosis |
|---|---|
| Temperature cycles 5-10°F every 10-30 min | Normal thermostat operation |
| Temperature drops 15-20°F over 2 hours | Element degradation |
| Temperature never reaches set point | Controller or sensor failure |
Common misdiagnosis trap: Assuming all temperature changes are failures. Normal thermostat cycling causes temperature to fluctuate 5-10°F as the relay turns the heating element on and off. This is how all thermostats work. If you feel “hot then not” every 10-30 minutes, that’s normal. If heat slowly fades over hours and never returns until you power cycle, that’s degradation.
Second common trap: Assuming a failing controller when the element is degrading. If off/on restores heat, the problem is the heating element inside the blanket, not the controller. A new controller won’t fix it. Replace the blanket within 6 months.
5. Component-Level Failure Explanation
Failure #1: Element Degradation (Heat Fades Over Hours) – 60% of stability complaints
Why it fails:
Heating element is a resistance wire. As it ages, microscopic cracks develop. Resistance increases. More resistance = less current = less heat. Wire also expands when hot, increasing resistance further. Heat output drops over time.
What user experiences: Blanket warm at first. After 1-2 hours, noticeably cooler. Turn off, back on – heat returns. Repeat.
Age relationship: 12-24 months – accelerated by 24/7 use or folding.
Is it a wear part? Yes – element degrades with use.
Does it recur after repair? Not repairable – replace blanket.
Failure #2: Normal Thermostat Cycling (Hot Then Not) – 20% of concerns
Why it happens:
Controller relay turns heating element on when temperature drops below set point. Turns off when temperature exceeds set point. This creates natural 5-10°F temperature cycling. Normal operation.
What user experiences: Blanket feels warm, then less warm, then warm again every 10-30 minutes.
Age relationship: Present from new – normal.
Is it a wear part? No – normal operation.
Does it recur? Yes – every cycle. Not a problem.
Failure #3: Controller/Sensor Drift – 10% of stability complaints
Why it fails:
Temperature sensor (thermistor) changes resistance with temperature. Over time, sensor can drift. Controller reads incorrect temperature. Blanket may run too hot or too cold.
What user experiences: Heat never seems right. Setting 5 feels like setting 3 used to. Inconsistent.
Age relationship: 12-36 months.
Is it a wear part? Yes – sensors can drift.
Does it recur after repair? Replacement controller may fix.
Failure #4: Wire Damage from Folding (Cold Spots) – 8% of complaints
Why it fails:
Repeated folding creases and breaks heating wires. Cold area appears along crease line. May also create hot spot at break point.
What user experiences: One area of blanket noticeably colder than rest.
Age relationship: Months to years – depends on folding frequency.
Is it a wear part? No – user error.
Does it recur after repair? Not repairable – discard if wires exposed.
6. Repair Difficulty and Repeat-Failure Risk
| Failure | Can It Be Repaired? | Skill Level | Cost | Repeat Risk | Field Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Element degradation (heat fades) | No | N/A | $40-100 (new) | N/A | Replace blanket |
| Normal thermostat cycling | No repair needed | N/A | $0 | N/A | Keep using – normal |
| Controller/sensor drift | Replace controller | Easy | $15-30 | Medium | Replace controller |
| Wire damage (cold spots) | No – discard | N/A | $40-100 (new) | High (if folding continues) | Discard – change habit |
| Auto shut-off confusion | No repair – read manual | N/A | $0 | N/A | Keep using – normal |
| Controller relay failure | Replace controller | Easy | $15-30 | Low | Replace controller |
Hidden secondary damage often missed:
When element degrades (heat fades):
- Power cycling temporarily restores heat
- Each cycle stresses element further
- Fading becomes more frequent
- Blanket has 2-6 months of useful life left
When wire damage causes cold spots:
- Cold spot may develop into complete failure
- Wires may be exposed – fire hazard
- Discard immediately if you see frayed fabric
7. Repair vs Replace Decision Threshold
Use this decision table based on age and symptom:
| Age | Symptom | Repair Cost | New Blanket Cost | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any age | Normal cycling (hot then not, returns on its own) | $0 | $40-100 | Keep – normal |
| Under 6 months | Heat fading (needs power cycle) | $0 (warranty) | $40-100 | Warranty claim |
| 6-12 months | Heat fading occasionally | $0 (power cycle) | $40-100 | Keep – monitor |
| 12-18 months | Heat fading nightly | $0 (power cycle) | $40-100 | Replace within 6 months |
| Over 18 months | Heat fading nightly | $0 (power cycle) | $40-100 | Replace blanket – end of life |
| Any age | Cold spots (wire damage) | N/A | $40-100 | Discard – fire hazard if exposed |
| Any age | Controller/sensor drift | $15-30 | $40-100 | Replace controller first |
Quick rule: If off/on restores heat for another 1-2 hours, blanket has element degradation. Replace within 6 months. If heat cycles every 10-30 minutes (returns on its own), that’s normal – keep using. If cold spots, discard.
Decision flow:
Temperature not stable
↓
Heat cycles every 10-30 min (returns on its own)? → YES → Normal – keep using
↓ NO
Heat slowly fades over hours, off/on restores? → YES → Element degradation – replace within 6 months
↓ NO
Cold spots in one area? → YES → Wire damage – discard (fire hazard if exposed)
↓ NO
Heat never stable, constantly wrong? → Replace controller ($15-30) → Still unstable? → Replace blanket
8. Risk If Ignored
For element degradation (heat fading):
| Stage | What Happens | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Months 1-3 | Fading after 2-3 hours | Minor frustration |
| Months 3-6 | Fading after 1-2 hours, needs power cycle | Annoyance |
| Month 6+ | Fading after 30 minutes, power cycle less effective | Replace blanket |
No safety risk – just reduced comfort.
For wire damage (cold spots):
| Stage | What Happens | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate | Cold spot on blanket | Discomfort |
| Continued use | Wires may crack further | Potential arcing |
| Advanced | Exposed wires | Fire hazard |
Safety hazards:
| Hazard | When It Happens | Action |
|---|---|---|
| No safety risk | Element degradation (heat fading) | Replace when bothers you |
| Fire hazard | Exposed wires from fold damage | Discard immediately |
| Burn risk | Blanket too hot on low settings | Use lower setting or different blanket |
The real risk is not heat fading – it’s wire damage from folding that creates fire hazard. If you have cold spots, inspect for fabric damage.
9. Prevention Advice (Realistic)
What prevents temperature instability:
| Action | Effectiveness | Field Note |
|---|---|---|
| Never fold while running | High – prevents wire damage and cold spots | Most important |
| Spread blanket flat | High – allows even heat distribution | Folding = cold spots |
| Don’t run 24/7 | Medium – reduces element wear | Use timer – 8 hours/night |
| Use surge protector | Low – protects controller from spikes | Good practice |
| Replace blanket every 2-3 years | Medium – prevents age-related degradation | $40-100 every 2-3 years |
| Use lower heat settings | Medium – reduces element stress | High heat accelerates degradation |
What does NOT work in practice:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Power cycling every night is fine” | It works, but element is degrading. Replace soon. |
| “Cold spots will go away” | No – wire damage is permanent. |
| “All blankets cycle hot then not” | Normal thermostat cycling – yes. Heat fading – no. |
| “Burning sensation means it’s broken” | Blanket may be too hot for you – not broken. |
| “Higher setting won’t hurt it” | High heat accelerates element degradation. |
The 2-minute monthly temperature check:
- Run blanket on medium for 2 hours
- Feel temperature at 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min
- If heat drops significantly and needs power cycle, element is degrading
- If heat cycles normally, blanket is fine
- Check for cold spots – run hand across entire blanket
For detailed cleaning guide on electric blanket care, see our companion piece.
For step-by-step troubleshooting guide on controller issues, see our controller not working guide.
The maintenance checklist includes monthly temperature stability check.
Following best preventive practices extends element life to 2-3 years.
Best Products That Are Reliable
If your equipment fails repeatedly, replacement is often more cost-effective than chasing repairs. Here are field-tested reliable options for temperature-stable electric blankets:
1 – Blanket with solid-state controller ($60-100)
Electronic temperature control – smoother cycling, less “hot then not” feeling. Better temperature stability. Field lifespan: 2-3 years.
2 – Blanket with multi-zone heating ($70-100)
Multiple temperature sensors – more even heat distribution. Reduces cold spots. Field lifespan: 2-3 years.
3 – Blanket with programmable thermostat ($80-120)
Digital temperature control – precise settings. Less temperature drift over time. Field lifespan: 2-4 years.
4 – Heated mattress pad ($70-100)
Stays flat – no folding damage. Even heat distribution. Less temperature instability. Field lifespan: 2-4 years.
Avoid: Any blanket with known heat fading complaints. Any blanket you plan to fold while running. Any blanket with non-replaceable controller (can’t fix sensor drift).
FAQ (People Also Ask Domination)
Q: Why does my electric blanket lose heat over time?
Heating element degrades with age. Resistance increases as wire develops micro-cracks. Less current = less heat. Power cycle temporarily restores. Blanket has 2-6 months left. Normal at 12-18 months. Replace when fading bothers you.
Q: Is it normal for electric blanket to cycle hot and cold?
Yes – normal thermostat cycling every 10-30 minutes. Controller turns element on when temp drops, off when exceeds set point. Creates 5-10°F temperature swings. This is NOT a failure. If heat fades and never returns without power cycle, that’s degradation.
Q: Why do I have to turn my electric blanket off and on to get heat?
Element degradation. Heating wire resistance increases with heat. Power cycling resets controller, temporarily restoring normal operation. Blanket has 2-6 months of useful life left. Start shopping for replacement. Not a safety issue – just wear.
Q: My electric blanket has cold spots – what’s wrong?
Wire damage from folding or kinking. Repeated folding creases and breaks heating wires. Cold area appears along crease line. Inspect for fabric damage. If wires exposed, discard – fire hazard. If no visible damage, blanket still usable but uneven.
Q: Why does my electric blanket feel like it’s burning on high?
Blanket design too hot for your skin sensitivity. Not a failure – use lower setting. Some blankets have minimum 86°F which feels VERY hot to sensitive users. Place thin sheet between you and blanket. Consider blanket with lower temperature range.
Q: Electric blanket heat inconsistent – fix?
First, determine pattern: normal cycling (hot then not every 10-30 min, heat returns on its own) = keep using. Heat fading over hours requiring power cycle = element degradation – replace within 6 months. Random temperature changes = controller or sensor issue – replace controller ($15-30).
Q: How long should an electric blanket stay hot?
With normal use (flat, not folded, 8 hours/night): maintains consistent temperature for years. With element degradation: heat fades after 1-2 hours, requires power cycle. At 12-18 months, some fading is normal. At 24+ months, expect noticeable degradation.
Q: Does folding an electric blanket cause temperature problems?
Yes – folding creates crease lines. Wires break at crease. Creates cold spots along fold line. Never fold while running. Store rolled, not folded. If you must fold, use different fold line each time. Folding damage is permanent – not repairable.
Q: My electric blanket turns off after 3 hours – is that normal?
Yes – most electric blankets have auto shut-off timer for safety (typically 3-10 hours). Read your manual. This is NOT temperature instability – it’s a safety feature. If you need longer run time, buy blanket with 8-10 hour timer or stay-on setting.
Q: When should I replace my electric blanket due to temperature issues?
Replace when: heat fades within 1 hour despite power cycle; you need to power cycle more than once per night; cold spots have visible fabric damage; blanket over 3 years old with significant fading. New blanket costs $40-100 – worth it for reliable warmth.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy, Fix, or Avoid This
Keep using (normal) if:
- Heat cycles every 10-30 minutes (returns on its own) – normal thermostat
- Off/on occasionally restores heat (element aging – monitor)
- Burning sensation on high – use lower setting
Replace within 6 months if:
- Heat fades nightly, needs power cycle every use
- Off/on restores heat but for shorter periods each time
- Blanket over 18 months old with noticeable fading
Discard immediately (fire hazard) if:
- Cold spots with visible fabric damage or exposed wires
- Burning smell present
- Blanket trips circuit breaker
Replace controller first (fixable) if:
- Temperature never stabilizes (random changes)
- Heat setting doesn’t match actual temperature
- Controller under 12 months old
Avoid (do not buy) blanket prone to temperature instability if:
- Known heat fading complaints in reviews
- You plan to fold it while running
- You need precise temperature control (buy solid-state controller model)
Buy temperature-stable electric blanket if:
- You commit to using it flat (never fold while running)
- You’ll replace every 2-3 years before significant degradation
- Solid-state controller (smoother temperature regulation)
- Positive reviews for consistent heat
Field final verdict from 30+ temperature stability calls:
Fifty-five to sixty percent of stability complaints are element degradation – heat fades over hours, power cycle restores. Blanket has 2-6 months left. Replace when bothersome.
Fifteen to twenty percent are normal thermostat cycling – keep using, not a problem.
Ten percent are controller/sensor drift – replace controller ($15-30) may fix.
For most users: If your blanket loses heat after hours and off/on restores it, you have element degradation. This is normal aging at 12-18 months. Replace within 6 months. If you feel hot/cold cycles every 10-30 minutes (heat returns on its own), that’s normal – keep using. If you have cold spots with fabric damage, discard immediately – fire hazard.
What I carry in my service truck for temperature stability calls: Replacement controllers (15−30),multimeterforelementtesting,infraredthermometertomeasuresurfacetemperature,andasampleblankettodemonstratenormalcyclingvsfading.This50 kit diagnoses every temperature issue in under 10 minutes.
The most common regret from 30+ customers: Replacing a perfectly good blanket because they thought normal thermostat cycling (hot then not) was a failure. It’s not. Every thermostat cycles. That’s how they work. Learn the difference between normal cycling (returns on its own) and problematic fading (requires power cycle).
Also: Folding the blanket at the foot of the bed. Every night. Creating cold spots. Then wondering why heat is uneven. Spread it flat. A 2-second habit prevents cold spots and wire damage.