An electric blanket (also called a bed warmer) is a small domestic appliance consisting of a blanket with an electric heater inside. An electric blanket generates heat, which is evenly distributed over its entire surface. It is usually placed on top of the sheets. There are also Electric Blankets designed to be spread out under the bottom sheet. It is important to know which type you have and to read the instructions for use, since those blankets manufactured to be placed on top of the sheets should not be spread out under the bottom sheet.
The main function of an electric blanket is to heat its surface, either with the intention of preheating a bed before sleeping in it, heating it while you are in it or to provide heat to a specific area of the body of a person or animal, always provided that the skin is covered by another textile, since with direct contact there is a risk of burns.
Electric blankets are made from materials like cotton, fleece, microfibre, and polyester. This allows users to choose from a variety of textures to ensure maximum comfort when placed over their sheet.
An electric blanket has a plug that needs to be connected to the network. There is also a thermostat that regulates the temperature. They transform electricity into heat through the cables that are evenly distributed throughout the surface.
In more up-to-date models, these cables are made of fibreglass, and these are thinner and more flexible. The heat generated by fibreglass is infrared, which is much safer and more efficient.
We recommend using an electric blanket on top of your sheet rather than underneath it. Also, avoid placing another regular blanket on top, as this can make it less effective. Electric blankets come in different sizes to fit virtually any space.
Electric blankets usually have between 100 and 150 watts of power. If you make reasonable use of an electric blanket, it really does not consume very much.
If you use an electric blanket with 150 watts of power a total of 6 hours every night, for 4 months a year, the consumption will be 108 kWh per year.
If you compare this with other domestic appliances, it does not represent a remarkable consumption. Using a washing machine with 1,500 watts of power daily, with a programme of 1 hour, for one year, represents an annual consumption of 547.5 kWh.
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