Electric Blanket vs. Space Heater Comparison: Which Is Best? Update 10/2024

A heated dispute about whether to use an electric blanket or a space heater isn’t as dramatic as Freddy vs. Jason or Alien vs. Predator. The more factions you have at home, the more important this is.

No matter how often you use your space heater or central heating, it’s still worth investigating the advantages of an electric blanket. There’s a lot to think about, including the price, the ease of use, the aesthetics, and, of course, the safety.

Overview – Electric Blankets vs. Space Heaters

First, consider yourself whether or not you really need either item! You may be able to save money by layering up to keep warm. Check your home’s insulation and weatherstripping to ensure that you’re retaining as much heat inside as possible.

However, being encased in a layer of warmth that goes above and beyond the capabilities of an additional pair of premium insulation socks has its advantages. A nice blanket to cuddle under at night is like no other experience in the world!

A space heater, on the other hand, is equally amazing in that it can swiftly and cheaply heat an entire room.

When it comes to choose which one to have in your home, it depends on what you want to accomplish.

What Are Electric Blankets?

It is a blanket that can be heated with electricity. It appears to be an ordinary blanket on the outside, but it contains wires that generate heat. A power wire and a control dial are also included.

Timers, a crucial safety element, have been made possible by recent technological advancements. In addition, wireless units that can be controlled by a remote and do not need to be connected into the wall have recently emerged.

Regardless of how cold the rest of the house is, you can use one of these gadgets to keep your personal space toasty as you watch a movie or read a book on the couch.

In 1912, a doctor was trying to keep his ill patients warm, and came up with the idea for this innovation. By the 1920s, the first prototypes had been modified and commercially offered to the general public.

Wattage

The typical blanket consumes between 200 and 400 watts. For safety reasons, it’s not advisable to leave the light on all night long, which would cost anywhere from 25 to 50 cents every night depending on where you live in the country.

Construction

There is little variation in the interior of these units. The blanket’s heating element is made up of wires that are equally spread throughout the fabric layers and heat up when the blanket is turned on. The outside fabric can be anything from soft fleece to acrylic, wool, or any number of different materials.

Unique Features

Depending on the sort of mattress you have, these covers come in a plethora of colors and patterns and in a variety of sizes. The most recent models have timers and automatic shut-off functions, which save money on electricity and improve safety.

Pros

  • Portable.
  • Inexpensive.
  • Energy-saving measures.
  • Provides a consistent level of heat.
  • Colors, fabrics, and sizes are all customizable.
  • There are certain models that have timers, automated shut-offs, and temperature controls.
  • Avoid overheating the entire room by creating a personal heated cocoon for yourself.

Cons

  • Electromagnetic fields have been linked to a wide range of health problems, although there is no conclusive evidence to support this.
  • There is a risk of fire and burns if you’re using an older model.
  • If the blanket is not utilized properly, it might also injure the user.
  • Pets or poor care can easily cause damage.

Safety

When it comes to the safety of a heated blanket, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The first is related to the risk of fire. The condition of your blanket, in particular the absence of any exposed or frayed wires, is critical.

Secondly, your own safety is at stake. If you’re sleeping, it’s possible that you won’t notice that your blanket is overheating.

Finally, the issue of encasing your complete body in a magnetic field is at the top of the list. Contrary to what you might think, there is no conclusive evidence that using an electric blanket causes cancer. Other electrical items in your house or office may be a greater danger to you and your family.

Cost

Using a heated blanket is a low-cost way to stay warm and cozy, and the modest electricity bill is well worth it. To put it another way, they’re less expensive than a space heater or gas fireplace, as well as less expensive than central heating.

Material, size, features, brand, and overall quality all affect the price of a product. You can get them for as little as $30 or as much as $200, so do some comparison shopping!

What Are Space Heaters?

They are portable heaters that may be used in specific portions of a room to keep people warm. For a fraction of the expense of heating your entire home, you can place one of these devices in the area where you need more warmth and get the benefits.

Different sorts and sizes are available, such red coiled contraptions to sleek and modern-looking gadgets. In spite of their higher cost, they have the advantage of being able to be used by the entire family rather than just one person or couple..

Wattage

In comparison to a heated blanket, the power output ranges from 750 to 1500 watts. Because of this, the price of using a space heater in your house can vary greatly.

Construction

Again, there is a huge range here. There are toaster-sized portable devices as well as several-foot-tall units. Everything in between is also there. When it comes to higher-end models, some have temperature controls that go beyond just “high, medium, and low.”

Unique Features

Besides temperature settings, you can also include safety features like an automated shut-off. To prevent the heater from tipping over or being banged on its side is very crucial. Unless it is turned off, the potential of a fire is very real.

A fan is an option on some models. Rather of having a molten lava area within 10 inches of the heater, the blower fan within the unit may assist disperse heat more evenly across the room. This is a life-changing breakthrough.

Pros

  • Inexpensive.
  • Somewhat efficient in terms of energy use.
  • Can be utilized simultaneously by numerous persons.
  • Alternatives to central heating systems.

Cons

  • A greater chance of a fire.
  • Costlier to run.
  • Getting uniform heat in a room is difficult.
  • Cannot leave unsupervised, especially in the presence of youngsters, without fear.

Safety

Space heaters have a bad reputation due to some alarming facts. A shocking 79 percent of the time, one of these common household items was the cause of a tragic home fire. This illustrates how common it is for people to leave their devices on while they’re sleeping or otherwise disregarded.

Fortunately, this figure is expected to fall as more people replace older units with newer models that automatically shut off when they fall over or after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

At least three feet away from anything combustible, such as clothing, draperies, furniture and bedding is recommended to ensure the unit’s safety.

Cost

Each unit costs less than $20 and can be purchased for as little as $13. It’s not uncommon for high-end models to cost over one hundred dollars. Energy consumption is the most important factor to keep in mind.

In addition to the energy efficiency rating, the label may also indicate how much it will cost to operate the heater in terms of electricity. Central heating and built-in wall heaters may be more expensive than newer units.

Which One is Better?

If you’re looking for an answer to this question, it’s up to you. Your best bet is to go with an electric blanket if you want to keep yourself toasty, but not make everyone else around you uncomfortable.

However, if you want to heat an entire room without having to swaddle yourself in a blanket, you may want to consider a space heater instead.

No one can answer this question correctly; it’s a matter of personal preference. If you live in a chilly climate, you’ll probably want to utilize both.

It would be perfect if you had a heated blanket with you while you slept. A space heater will come in handy when you have to get out of bed in the morning and strip down for a shower in a frosty bathroom!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an electric blanket use too much electricity?

In terms of energy efficiency, an electric blanket is arguably the best option you have other than running around the house or wearing five layers of clothing. Per-hour prices are low, and it’s one of the most inexpensive methods to keep warm.

Which is easier to use?

The space heater comes out on top despite the fact that they are both simple devices. Just turn it on and bask in the warmth. With an electric blanket, you are limited to a certain region because it demands physical touch with your body.

Are electric blankets safe to leave on all night?

Millions of Americans made it through the 1980s by sleeping with their electric blankets on. You shouldn’t, however, leave them on at night. Put it off before you go to sleep and then turn it back on in the morning to warm up a few minutes.

When left on all night, the risk of burning your skin or sparking a house fire increases.

What are other alternatives?

There are a variety of options for heating your home. The following are nine alternatives to a space heater or electric blanket:

  1. Wall heater: It’s permanently affixed to the wall. Perhaps even more powerful, but far more expensive.
  2. Ceiling heater: From the top to the bottom, your space is heated by these magnificent inventions. Basically, they’re like a ceiling-mounted wall heater.
  3. Heated footrest: In a chilly office where portable heaters have been forbidden since your coworker’s office caught on fire that one time, a footrest that packs some warmth could help keep your feet and toes toasty throughout the day.
  4. Heated shoe insoles: Is there anything else they can come up with? They’ll keep your feet toasty without anyone noticing.
  5. Hot water bottles: They’re great for relieving menstruation cramps and keeping you warm, all at the same time!
  6. Hand warmers: Warming your hands with these is comparable to warming your feet, but it’s done on the other hand. If it’s cold outside, keep one in your pocket for warmth.
  7. Fireplace: Electric, gas, or a good old-fashioned wood-burning stove are all options.
  8. Heated flooring: This is one of the world’s most luxurious inventions, and it is well worth the price tag!
  9. Added layers: That being said, it’s worth noting. If you’re cold and on a budget, layer up with clothing and blankets to keep warm.

How do space heaters cause fires?

The proximity of flammable things near the heater is the primary cause of flames. Avoid placing anything flammable within three feet of the unit. Everything from clothes to beds and mattresses is included here.

Also, if the heater is knocked over, it will not shut off because there is no safety system in place.

Conclusion

Being chilly is something that almost no one relishes! However, it is rare for all members of a household to agree on the ideal temperature. As Charlie Brown’s Linus carries a blanket, you may want to do the same if you want to keep yourself warm while your family or lover sweats to death.

On the other hand, if you and your family are both experiencing the chill, then strategically positioned space heaters are the best method to keep everyone warm.

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