True or False: Electric Blankets
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to survive the winter chill, single and dual control electric blankets are our ultimate heat hack for staying cosy and warm for less.
But do they work? Are they safe? And are they worth the investment? We’ll debunk the most common myths and cover all of these questions so that you can decide whether or not to add an electric blanket to your life (and bed).
1. Can an electric blanket catch fire?
True, but rarely.
An electric blanket can catch fire on rare occasions but they are generally very safe and reliable. However, they must be used correctly to prevent any possible accidents.
The fire safety risk is low because they have special safety features built into them. You can eliminate the potential hazard by closely following the instructions.
Our best advice is to simply turn on the blanket as you start to unwind and get ready for bed. By the time you get in, it will be the perfect cosy sanctuary. Be sure not to fall asleep with your electric blanket still on to reduce the fire hazard to zero.
2. Will an electric blanket use a lot of electricity?
False.
No, an electric blanket only uses a small amount of electricity. In fact, our best-selling Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket costs just 1p per hour to run so you can afford to snuggle up in cosy warm bliss every night of the week.
As they need so little energy, you will save big on rising energy bills ahead of the recent price cap, making them a smart alternative to turning up the heating. To put it into perspective, an electric blanket uses less electricity than a light bulb or television and much less than a laptop or fridge freezer, but more than a kettle. Nifty, right?
3. Are electric blankets expensive to run?
False.
No, an electric blanket is not expensive to run. To help with understanding the cost, they use about the same amount of electricity as a kettle and have a similar power rating to an iron, which makes them cheaper than a tumble dryer and washing machine.
The initial cost of an electric blanket is around £40 depending on the brand, size of your bed and any special features, but it will soon pay for itself. You won’t have to use your central heating so much – they could even save you around £500 per year in electricity costs!
4. Can you put an electric blanket on top of your bed?
True.
Yes, you can technically use an electric blanket on top of your bed but exercise caution. It is best to use yours underneath your bedding as a heating pad so it isn’t in direct contact with your skin. We recommend attaching the straps to your mattress and then placing a fitted sheet on top in case things get too hot.
Be sure that the cord is plugged in securely so that you don’t trip over it while walking around at night – and it goes without saying to never leave an unsupervised child under an electric blanket!
If you would rather wrap something warm and cosy around you, then you might prefer our Silentnight Luxury Heated Throw covered in super soft fleece for maximum cosiness. The throw heats up in just minutes so that you can start saving energy straight away.
5. Is it safe to use an electric blanket when pregt?
True.
Yes, it can be safe to use an electric blanket to stay warm when you are pregt as long as you pick a low setting. You need to be extra careful not to overheat. It is important to remember that electric blankets are designed to keep you toasty and warm, rather than hot.
Our advice is to look for an electric blanket where you can control the exact temperature. Our Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket has three heat settings that you can adjust to set the temperature that is just right for you. If you have concerns, it is best to check with your midwife to be sure.
6. Are electric blankets safe?
True.
Yes, it is completely safe to run an electric blanket especially if it is relatively new.
Our handpicked edit of sleep-must haves includes electric blankets exclusively from Silentnight. They are the UK’s #1 sleep superbrand with over 75 years of experience in creating trusted products that offer solutions for every sleeper. Everything you find here on our site is tested extensively to make sure they are safe for you to use.
As sleep experts, we recommend turning off the appliance before falling asleep to regulate your core temperature for less disturbed sleep. Use your electric blanket to warm up your bed before you get in and turn them off before you fall asleep.
Our Silentnight Teddy Fleece Electric Blanket has special features with your safety in mind. This includes overheat protection which means the blanket will automatically shut down if a hot spot or fault is detected.
Remember: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any of our heated products to stay safe and minimise the risk of wires in the fabric overheating.
7. Can you use an electric blanket upside down?
False.
No, it is not a good idea to use an electric blanket upside down. You might think this will help keep your feet warmer, but it could cause burns or electrical shocks.
Electric blankets generally aren’t recommended for people with any sort of circulatory problem— be it heart disease or something more minor like varicose veins!
If you have a pacemaker and are using an electric blanket, there is also a chance that the heat from the blanket will interfere with its operation so best to err on the side of caution.
Shop electric blankets
Electric blankets may be a little bulky and take up more space than a traditional blanket. However, there are plenty of reasons to invest in one— especially if you’re looking for an alternative to heating your home with expensive energy bills on the rise.
From teddy fleece to super king size electric blankets, we have it all. Electric blankets offer comfort and convenience at an affordable price, so you might want to consider purchasing one for yourself this winter.