How Much Does It Cost to Run a Electric Blanket? (UK 2026)
Based on the active UK Ofgem price cap of 24.5p per kWh (1 January 2026 – 31 March 2026).
A typical 100W electric blanket costs £0.02 per hour of continuous use at current UK electricity rates (24.5p/kWh). For typical daily usage (3 hours evening usage in bed/sofa (1h preheat at 100W, 2h maintain at 30W = ~0.16 kWh/day)), it costs approximately £0.07 per day or £27.32 per year.
Manufacturer specs: Dreamland & Beurer heated underblanket specifications (100W preheat, 30W maintain setting)
* Includes 0.3W standby consumption outside active hours (£0.56/year).
How to Save Money Running a Electric Blanket
- Preheat your bed for 45 minutes on high, then drop the setting to minimum (or switch it off completely) before sleeping.
- Heat the human, not the room: using an electric blanket allows you to turn bedroom central heating radiators down to 15°C.
- Always place an electric underblanket completely flat beneath your fitted sheet to prevent wire pinching and hotspot wear.
- Look for blankets with automatic 1-to-9 hour shut-off timers to avoid running power accidentally all night.
Alternative Appliances Compared
vs. Electric Fan Heater
View running cost →An electric blanket uses around 100W compared to 2000W for a fan heater—running an electric blanket is roughly 95% cheaper.
vs. Oil-Filled Radiator
View running cost →Heating an entire bedroom with an oil radiator draws 1500W, whereas an electric blanket focuses heat directly where needed for 100W.
Electric Blanket Technical Power Profile
Source data: Dreamland & Beurer heated underblanket specifications (100W preheat, 30W maintain setting)
Frequently Asked Questions: Electric Blanket Electricity Costs
How much does it cost to run an electric blanket for an hour in the UK?â–¾
On maximum preheat (100W), it costs approx. 2.45p per hour. On low maintenance setting (approx. 30W), it costs under 0.8p per hour.
Can an electric blanket save money on winter gas bills?â–¾
Yes. Lowering your whole-house central heating thermostat by just 1°C saves around 10% on gas bills. Using an electric blanket for personal warmth at night can save £80 to £140 per winter.
Is it safe to keep an electric blanket on all night?â–¾
Modern electric blankets equipped with overheat protection circuits (BEAB approved) are rated for all-night use on the lowest heat setting.
What is the difference between a heated throw and an underblanket?â–¾
An underblanket fits securely over the mattress beneath the bedsheet. A heated throw is a soft decorative fleece blanket meant for wrapping around yourself on the sofa or desk.
Can you wash an electric blanket in a washing machine?â–¾
Yes, most modern models feature detachable power cords and can be machine washed on a gentle 30°C wool cycle.