If you are feeling unusually chilly in your home and you want to cut back on your heating bills, you may want to consider getting an electric blanket. If you do, you could avoid having to pump constant heat into your home, saving you lots of money.
After all, an electric blanket uses only one to two hundred watts of electricity, yet can warm as well as a radiator that draws thousands of watts. Not a bad trade, if you get one that is safe.
An electric blanket can be used when sleeping, if you follow safety directions, or when watching television curled up on the couch. You may even be able to use one at work, if you sit at a desk all day.
The direct localized heat does not only save energy, it also allows people with different temperature tolerances to comfortably share the same room or bed. No more worries about your spouse getting too hot with an extra down comforter.
After all, you can get just a personal sized one, that will go on your side of the bed. If you want one for both of you, there are large ones available as well, to fit any bed size.
There are also many different fabric options that you can choose from. You could find an overblanket, a throw, or even a heated mattress pad.
The brands range just as much as the styles do. The options can be a little bit overwhelming, but variety is nice to have.
The main two different types are an overblanket and an underblanket, or a mattress pad. If you use a mattress pad, the heat rises, so more of it is available.
Both the sheet below and the blanket above is warmed up. It always lies flat, and does not move around, or bunch up.
This reduces the chance of forming dangerous hot spots. There is also less stress on the heating wires, possibly making them last longer.
There are some disadvantages as well. They can only be used on beds, unlike a throw blanket that can be used when sitting in a chair.
Sometimes the buzzing noise from the heating wires can be a problem. Unlike blankets, mattress pads are placed immediately beneath the pillow, and any buzzing will be easily heard at night.
When it comes to choosing one, keep in mind that many manufacturers often do not specify the watts used by a blanket. One way to measure the wattage is to use a home wattmeter such as the Kill-a-watt.
A good way to find a reliable brand and model is to search the internet for consumer reviews. Users who are worried about safety should look for products which are certified by the Underwriters Laboratory
Look for ones that are machine washable. Even for machine-washable blankets, hand-washing in a large tub puts less stress on the electrical wires and might increase the blanket's life.
You also want to be sure that you have a thermostat control. Some blankets have more than one thermostat sensor, allowing more warmth to be sent to where it is needed.
Some only have one warmth setting, others can have up to twenty, which is very convenient However having a temperature control also means more chances of something failing.
Make sure that there is an auto-off safety as well. Many automatically switch off after ten hour-this will help keep you safe.
Small and flexible "invisible" heating wires are nice because they are much more comfortable for you. Electrical sockets located at the corner or side are also very nice to have.
Electric blankets can save on the heating bill while providing superior comfort at the same time. Unfortunately, reliability problems mean that other solutions should also be considered.
Small and thick electrical pads are cheaper, and possibly stronger and more reliable. Classic rubber or plastic hot water bottles are still a good temporary solution.
To preheat a cold bed, an electrical hair dryer can be used, though this is much less convenient for you. Just make sure that you consider all of the options, and that you are happy with your choice-you will be happy you did your research when you have something that is cozy, reliable, and safe.
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels is a former electrical engineer and has written hundreds of articles relating to air conditioning and heating, including electric heater. He has been involved in the air conditioning and heating business for over 16 years.
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