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Electric Blanket vs Space Heater Energy Cost Comparison
Which costs less to run overnight — electric blanket or space heater.
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The 25:1 wattage difference
An electric blanket uses ~60 watts on high. A space heater uses 1,500 watts — 25× more. At 14¢/kWh for 8 hours: blanket costs $0.067/night; space heater costs $1.68/night. Over a 120-night heating season: $8 vs $202.
When a space heater is still the right choice
If you need to heat a room (not just stay warm in bed), a space heater is necessary. If you're only cold while sleeping, an electric blanket is 25× more efficient. Many people find the optimal strategy is: space heater to warm the room before bed, then blanket overnight.
⚡ CalcWolf Insight
An electric blanket uses 200 to 400 watts versus 1,500 watts for a space heater, making it 75 to 85 percent more energy efficient.
Frequently asked questions
Is an electric blanket cheaper than a space heater?▾
Yes — dramatically. An electric blanket uses ~60W vs 1,500W for a heater. Over a heating season, the blanket saves $150–200 in most US climates.
Are electric blankets safe to leave on all night?▾
Modern electric blankets with auto-shutoff timers and UL certification are considered safe for overnight use. Avoid using blankets that are more than 10 years old, damaged, or lack auto-shutoff. Do not fold or bunch the blanket while in use, and do not use with memory foam toppers (heat gets trapped).
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