Understanding Electric Blanket vs Space Heater Electricity Use
When indoor temperatures drop, many households turn to electric blankets or space heaters for added warmth. These options work differently: an electric blanket delivers heat directly to the body, while a space heater warms the surrounding air. Because of this difference, their electricity use is often not comparable on a “same comfort” basis—heating a person usually requires less energy than heating an entire room. Wattage ratings, how long the device runs, and thermostat or heat-setting behavior all influence overall consumption. This overview explains how each option typically uses electricity and what factors matter most when comparing them.
Choosing between warming a bed and warming an entire room often comes down to how much heat you need and where you need it. Electric blankets typically deliver low, targeted heat close to the body, while space heaters push higher heat output into the surrounding air. That difference affects electricity use, comfort, and how costs add up over time.
Understanding How Electric Blankets Use Electricity
Electric blankets generally rely on thin resistance wires (or carbon-fiber elements) sewn through the fabric. When current flows through those elements, they warm up and transfer heat directly to your body and the bedding around you. Because the heated area is relatively small and insulated by sheets and comforters, many models can feel warm at comparatively low power draw. Typical operating wattage often falls in a broad range (commonly around 50–200 watts), varying by blanket size, heat setting, and whether the controller uses pulse-width cycling.
Most modern designs also manage electricity use through thermostatic control and automatic shutoff features. Instead of drawing maximum power continuously, some controllers cycle on and off to maintain a set temperature. In practice, that means the “nameplate wattage” may overstate average consumption over an entire night. Pre-heating a bed for 15–30 minutes and then reducing the setting can further lower average electricity use, especially in well-insulated bedding.
Overview of How Space Heaters Use Electricity
Space heaters also use resistance heating, but their goal is to raise the temperature of room air rather than directly warming a person. Many portable models are designed around standardized power levels, commonly 750 watts (low) and 1,500 watts (high) in regions with 120V outlets, and other common ratings elsewhere. Fan-forced ceramic heaters move warm air quickly, while oil-filled radiators and panel heaters often provide steadier, quieter convection heat. Regardless of style, nearly all electric space heaters convert electricity to heat at close to 100% efficiency at the point of use—so the key variable is how much power they draw and how long they run.
Real-world electricity use depends heavily on room size, insulation quality, drafts, ceiling height, and the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. A heater on “high” may not run at full power continuously if it has a thermostat, but in a cold or poorly insulated space it can run for long stretches. Because the device is heating air that constantly mixes and escapes, keeping a whole room warm typically requires more energy than keeping a bed warm.
Key Takeaways on Comparing Electricity Use
Real-world cost/pricing insights start with a simple rule: electricity use is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), calculated as (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours. For example, a 100-watt electric blanket running for 8 hours uses about 0.8 kWh, while a 1,500-watt space heater running for 8 hours uses about 12 kWh. To make the comparison concrete, the table below uses widely sold, identifiable products and a sample electricity rate of $0.15/kWh (your local rate may be higher or lower, and actual cycling behavior can reduce averages).
| Product/Service | Provider | Cost Estimation |
|---|---|---|
| Heated blanket (about 100W average) | Sunbeam | ~0.10 kWh per hour ≈ $0.015/hour; 8 hours ≈ $0.12 at $0.15/kWh |
| Heated blanket (about 100W average) | Biddeford | ~0.10 kWh per hour ≈ $0.015/hour; 8 hours ≈ $0.12 at $0.15/kWh |
| Ceramic space heater (up to 1,500W) | Lasko | ~1.50 kWh per hour ≈ $0.225/hour; 8 hours ≈ $1.80 at $0.15/kWh |
| Ceramic space heater (up to 1,500W) | Vornado (VH200 class) | ~1.50 kWh per hour ≈ $0.225/hour; 8 hours ≈ $1.80 at $0.15/kWh |
| Oil-filled radiator (typically up to 1,500W) | De’Longhi | ~1.50 kWh per hour ≈ $0.225/hour; 8 hours ≈ $1.80 at $0.15/kWh |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
When you compare electricity use, it helps to match the tool to the goal. If you only need personal warmth while sleeping, a lower-wattage bed-warming approach usually consumes fewer kWh than heating all the air in a room. Space heaters can still make sense when you need comfort while awake, when a central system is unavailable, or when you can close off a small, well-insulated room to reduce runtime. Safety and operating habits matter too: follow manufacturer instructions, avoid using a damaged cord or controller, keep space heaters clear of fabrics, and use built-in timers or thermostats to prevent unnecessary continuous operation.
A practical way to decide is to estimate your own pattern: choose an approximate wattage (from a product label), multiply by expected hours, then multiply by your local electricity rate. If you want a warmer bedroom overnight, consider whether improving insulation (draft sealing, heavier curtains, better bedding) reduces the total heat required. Often, reducing heat loss can change the comparison more than switching devices, because it lowers runtime for whichever option you use.
In most typical households, an electric blanket’s targeted, low-watt heating translates to lower electricity use than running a space heater for the same duration, especially overnight. Space heaters deliver more total heat and can warm a whole area, but that capability usually comes with higher kWh consumption. The most accurate comparison comes from your room conditions, how long each device runs, and your local power rate—combined with safe, thermostat-driven operation.
