What Is Electric Blanket? Here’s What You Should Know

Blankets are great for keeping you warm in the winter but don’t always provide enough heat to keep your body temperature comfortable. It’s where electric blankets or heated blankets come into play.

So, what is an electric blanket?

In summary, electric blankets are a blanket that is heated using electricity. It keeps you warm by surrounding your body with heat generated from electricity. 

In this article, you’ll learn what you should know about an electric blanket.

What Is Electric Blanket?

Electric blankets are a type of blanket that an electric cord can heat. The inside is lined with heating wires, which plug into an outlet to generate warmth. 

It produces heat by passing electricity through the wires in a mesh. This heating method is efficient as it requires little energy to produce enough warmth.

The user has control over how warm they want it because most have controls for setting desired temperatures. These types of blankets come in different materials, like fleece and cotton.

7 Things You Should Know About Electric Blankets

Below are a few quick things you should know about electric blankets.

Electric Blanket Is Energy Efficient

Electric blankets are not only comfortable and cozy, but they’re also energy efficient. Providing so much warmth makes it possible to lower your house’s temperature at night, saving money on heating bills. 

Here’s the estimation of how much an electric blanket consumes power:

Source

When considering electric blanket options, you must know the safety measures of using these devices and how best to care for them.

It Comes With Various Sizes

Electric blankets are sold in various standard bedding sizes, but it’s important to make sure the size of your electric blanket corresponds with the size of your mattress. 

If an electric blanket is too big and hangs off the edge of a queen-sized bed, then you’re risking getting stuck between two walls.

It can easily cause damage by folding up or ripping heating wires that heat your bed.

Safety Issue

The Washington Post says electric blankets with a shut-off mechanism are much safer than their older counterparts. 

The commission advises consumers to purchase an electric blanket made after 2001 to avoid overheating and fire hazards. 

Older models pose high risks of overheating or fire due to a lack of automatic safety features such as shutdown mechanisms when necessary.

They also do not have any built-in safeguards against electrical short circuits, which can cause fires without warning.

About Washing An Electric Blanket

The electric blanket must be washed carefully so it doesn’t get damaged. Each electric blanket comes with different washing instructions. 

So, it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions before throwing your blanket into a machine. 

Some manufacturers will say that their products can be dry cleaned or washed by hand; others may not have any specific recommendations for washing and cleaning them.

Never Put Anything On Top Of Electric Blanket

To help prevent fires, ensure no extra blankets or pillows are piled on top of the electric blanket. It can trap heat and cause overheat, becoming a potential fire hazard.

The blanket should not be used as a makeshift bed. It is designed to insulate your body.

Never Use It Together With Other Source Of Heat

Electricity has the potential to be very dangerous if not used properly. The best way to ensure that your electric blanket is safe for use is by ensuring there are no other sources of heat on the bed at all times.

The other sources can be something like a heating pad.

It’s Suitable For Adults

Electric blankets are better suited for adults rather than children. It is of utmost importance that an electric blanket is turned off when you get out of bed.

If left on too long, the risk becomes a fire hazard. Adults may have an easier time remembering to do this, but even then, forgetting can happen – especially with kids!

Related: Can You Take Electric Hand Warmers On A Plane?

Conclusion

Electric blankets are a type of blanket that is heated using electricity. It keeps you warm by surrounding your body with heat generated from electric currents.

They have been a staple in households for years; many people love being warm while sleeping. Before purchasing one, you should be aware of some safety concerns with using an electric blanket.

Ensure you read the manufacturer’s instructions on using them safely.