With the Oct-Dec 2024 energy price cap raising average energy costs by 10% up to £1,717 a year,many UK households are turning to electric blankets as a cost-effective solution. During the Black Friday period, searches for “electric blanket black Friday” surged by 124%, suggesting many Brits opted for affordable options to brace for the colder months.
However, a 1,300% surge in searches for “How much does an electric blanket cost to run per hour UK” in the past 30 days shows ongoing concern about the cost of these popular heating alternatives.
With this in mind, the experts at Confused.com Energy have provided insight into the cost of running an electric blanket under the current price cap and offer ways to cut these costs.
How much does it cost to run an electric blanket under the current energy price cap?
“There are several different kinds of electric blankets, and the cost of using them will vary depending on which you use—but not by much.
Larger over-blankets or under-blankets, which you may use as an extra layer in bed, typically cost around 6p per hour. A heated throw—which are the electric blankets designed to act like hoodies—cost slightly more to run, at 7-8p an hour.”*
Is it cheaper to use an electric blanket or heating?
“It’s very unlikely that you will pay less for central heating than an electric blanket. In a home with good insulation, where you can afford to set the heating to a lower level, the cost of having the boiler on for an hour is still around £1.50—well over twenty times the price of an electric blanket.*
However, it’s not advisable to never turn the heating on over these colder months. While you can take steps to keep warm, your house will still be cold, and you run the risk of building up damp or mould. Occasionally running your central heating at a lower temperature, around 14°, will help prevent these issues.”
How can I cut the cost of running an electric blanket?
“Turning down the temperature of your electric blanket is one of the most efficient ways of lowering its cost. This is because the blanket consumes the most electricity when heating up and then will usually reduce its power usage as it regulates heat. Using the timer mode of your blanket, if it has one, will also stop your spending from getting too high.
There are some more imaginative ways to reduce the cost. If you’re using your blanket to heat up your bed overnight, put it on for a couple of hours at a lower temperature before going to sleep, and then switch it off once you’re in bed. This will warm up your bed and avoid the cost of running the blanket overnight.”
How much does it cost to run an electric blanket for 12 hours?
“Overall, this will depend on the type of blanket you’re using, its energy rating, and the type of energy tariff you are on. But most people will see figures similar to these:
Electric blankets you use in bed (Underblankets, Overblankets and mattress protectors): Around 72p to run for 12 hours
Throw blankets: Around 90p to run for 12 hours
Heat pads: Around 8p to run for 12 hours.”
*It’s worth noting that these prices, and all other prices listed above are calculated under the October price cap. The new energy price cap, soon to be announced, will see prices change from January 1st, 2025.
If you’re struggling with energy bills:
If you receive benefits or a pension, you might also qualify for energy grants to help with your bills.
For more on what to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, visit Citizens Advice and Ofgem.
