What is a heated blanket?
An heated blanket, also known as a bed warmer, is a piece of small-scale domestic equipment that consists of a blanket that contains an electric heater on the inside. It is also usually referred to as a bed warmer. An electric blanket is capable of creating heat, which is then distributed evenly throughout its entire surface area. This makes it an excellent choice for keeping warm in colder climates. In the vast majority of instances, it is placed on top of the sheets.
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How does it work?
A plug is included on an electric blanket, and this plug has to be connected to the network. In addition to that, there is a thermostat that controls the temperature. By utilizing cables that are dispersed uniformly throughout the surface, they are able to convert electrical current into heat.
These cables are composed of fiberglass in more recent models; as a result, they are both more flexible and thinner than older versions. Infrared heat is produced by fiberglass, which is a significantly more advantageous and secure form of heat.
Which type of heated blanket are you looking for?
On the market, under-blankets, which are also known as heated mattress pads, are the electric blanket that is the most well-known and preferred by customers. There are two distinct alternatives available for under blankets: fitted and non-fitting versions.
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1.Fitted Electric Blankets
The operation of a fitted electric blanket is identical to that of a fitted bed sheet, with the exception that this layer is placed underneath the flat sheet and the mattress protector (if you have one). The fitted option is great for people who tend to sleep roughly because it helps to keep the heating pad in the correct position.
Because the size of the blanket is based on the dimensions of the mattress, using a fitted sheet ensures that you will always have optimum heat distribution. This is yet another advantage of using a fitted sheet. In addition to this, it keeps the pad from becoming creased or folded over on itself.
2.Non-Fitted Electric Blankets
In contrast to the snug fit provided by fitted blankets, non-fitted electric blankets come with a cord that must be tied around the bed in order to prevent the blanket from moving around when the user shifts positions while sleeping. Because you don't want the blanket to get too hot in one area and fold over on itself, you'll need to make sure the cords are tightly connected. This will prevent the blanket from doing either of those things.
If your companion does not enjoy having a warm bum, you can select a smaller alternative from among the available sizes in an electric blanket that is not tailored to the body. If you have a double mattress or one that is larger, such as a queen or king, you can save money by purchasing a twin-sized heating pad instead of spending it on a fitted heating pad in which one side is always turned off.
3.Over Blanket
If you toss and turn in your sleep, you may find that an overblanket or an underblanket with straps is a better option for you than a traditional underblanket because it keeps the underblanket from slipping.
How much does an electric blanket consume?
On average, the power output of electric blankets is between 100 and 150 watts. However, this number can range anywhere from 50 to 300 watts. If you use an electric blanket in a typical way, it won't require nearly as much electricity as you may imagine it would.
If you use an electric blanket that has a power consumption of 150 watts and you use it for a total of 6 hours every night for four months out of the year, your annual consumption will amount to 108 kWh.
When compared to the energy consumption of other household appliances, this one does not strike out as being unusually high. [Case in point] Using a washing machine with a power rating of 1,500 watts once per day and setting the program for one hour will result in a consumption of 547.5 kWh over the course of an entire year. This amount of energy consumption is equivalent to the amount of energy used by a standard home refrigerator over the course of a year.
According to the previous example, the cost of keeping the bed warm throughout the winter would have been 15.44 euros over the course of an entire year if the average price per kWh for the preceding 12 months was taken into consideration. This cost would have been spread out over the course of the entire year. You will note that it is financially beneficial if we perform the study on a number of alternative methods of heating, and you may look forward to this possibility. According to research that was carried out by IDAE, the amount of money that is required to heat an apartment with electricity on an annual basis is around 2,670 kWh, which is equal to a sum of 381.81 euros. This number was arrived at by an examination of the available data.
How much kWh does it use per minute?
To give you an idea, the running cost of an electric blanket with the features indicated above is 0.0003575 dollars for each minute that it is turned on. The price is 0.02145 euros for each hour. Consumption can be kept to a minimum by exercising control over the amount of time that it is on and by making effective use of it. Keeping this in mind, it is suggested that you select a model of an electric blanket that comes with a regulator that features multiple functions and can be customized to accommodate the manner in which you intend to use the device.
Common Concerns When Purchasing a Heated Blanket
1.Can it be both safe and cozy?
The majority of the time, polyester microfiber or fleece is used in the construction of electric blankets. You shouldn't allow the word "polyester" put you off because these blankets are typically very fluffy and soft. You might be able to find them made of acrylic, which does not have as lovely of a feel, or cotton, which is more flammable, but your best bet is to look for ones that are made of polyester.
2. Are there heat setting options?
A lot of electric blankets come with a few different heat levels, so you may choose the one that's most comfortable for you. Some even include dual heating with two remote controls so that you and your sleeping companion can make use of the system simultaneously.
3. Does the cord length matter?
They come in different lengths; when you buy one, be sure it is long enough to reach your bed even when it is plugged in.
4. How to use it safely?
To prevent an unsafe accumulation of heat when using an electric blanket, the blanket should always be laid out flat and should under no circumstances be folded or crumpled. In addition, nothing should be placed on top of the blanket. This includes you, another blanket, or any objects such as a book or pillow. This may cause the blanket's internal coils to get damaged due to the buildup of heat. Also, it goes without saying that you should never sleep with the blanket on while you're not using it. Choose one that has a function that turns the device off automatically in Case you should forget.
5. Can it be washed?
Despite the fact that the word "electric" is sometimes connected with the phrase "stay away from water," many electric blankets may be washed in a machine for convenience's sake. Before you make the purchase, examine the product package to determine whether or not the blanket can be cleaned in a washing machine.
6. Replacement?
It is possible to get up to ten years of use out of an electric blanket, provided that it is properly maintained and used. It is time to purchase a new blanket if you notice that the heat is not being distributed evenly or if you observe discoloration in some locations on the blanket (which is a clue that there is burning to occur on the inside).
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