Why are more people buying electric blankets?

With energy bills soaring and the average UK household paying up to £2,500 a year, Octopus Energy has announced that they will donate 10,000 electric blankets to those customers who need it most.

Research by the energy supplier revealed that heating a home can cost around £4 a day, while an electric blanket can heat a person for just 2-4p an hour.

Electric blankets are a cost-effective way to keep warm, without wasting energy

This means that the cosy throws – that were first invented more than 100 years ago – are a cost-effective way to keep warm, without wasting energy.

This is good for your bills – and for the planet.

But while this offer is reserved for the most vulnerable in our society, it seems as if people all over the UK are snapping up this season’s latest must-have.

Research company Kantar recently reported that sales of electric blankets have risen by eight per cent.

So, is it time for you to invest?

Running costs

To warm a double bed, an electric blanket will use around 100 watts of electricity, with rates dropping to around 25 watts during the sleep setting, according to USwitch.

For those of you on a standard variable tariff and paying by direct debit, it’ll cost on average 34p per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity – but prices will vary if you are on a fixed rate tariff or meter.

So, the average cost of running an electric blanket for an hour to keep your feet warm this winter will be around three pence.

As always, it’s important to do your own research. Contact your energy supplier if you are unsure about prices.

And if you live in England, Scotland or Wales, visit the UK government website and search for the Energy Bills Support Factsheet.

Things work slightly differently in Northern Ireland – but you can still find useful information there.

Electric dreams

If you’re thinking of investing in an electric blanket this year, you’ll find them all over the high street or online from suppliers such as Dreamland and Cosi.

From electric blankets with scandi-inspired design to heated throws with dual settings, prices can vary wildly.

Pick up a blanket from Dunelm for as little as £30, a Slumberdown Warm and Cosy Underblanket costing £46 from Argos to a soft and stylish Fairisle-patterned throw from Lakeland for £79.99.

For homeworkers who feel the cold, there’s even the option to invest in a £99.99 heated throw with sleeves and foot pouch, also from Lakeland.

Try to make sure you choose a design with different heat settings to keep your blanket more energy-efficient.

Keep safe

With more people buying a blanket this winter, it’s so important to keep safe – as well as warm.

Always follow the instructions, store them safely and never buy secondhand.

For further safety guidance, the London Fire Brigade has good advice on how to reduce fire risk.

Disclaimer

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