When the winter chill sets in and your heating bill starts to climb, you have two choices to stay warm without heating the whole house: A Space Heater, or a Heated Blanket.
Both promise to keep you cozy, but they attack the cold in completely different ways. One heats the air around you, the other heats your body directly. But which one is actually going to save you money on your electric bill? Let’s break down the ultimate winter showdown.
Contender 1: The Space Heater A space heater is a portable furnace. You plug it in, and it blasts hot air into a room until the area is comfortable.
- The Pros: It warms up a whole room, making it comfortable to walk around or work at a desk. It’s great for shared spaces where multiple people need warmth.
- The Cons: It is an absolute energy hog. A standard 1,500-watt space heater running for 8 hours costs about $1.50 to $2.00 a day. Over a month, that’s an extra $45 to $60 added to your electric bill. It can also be a fire hazard if placed near curtains or furniture.
Contender 2: The Heated Blanket A heated blanket is a plush throw with internal heating wires. You wrap it around yourself to stay warm.
- The Pros: It is incredibly energy-efficient. Most heated blankets use only 50 to 100 watts. Running a heated blanket for 8 hours costs less than $0.05 a day (basically pennies a month!). It heats you up instantly and is 100% safe to fall asleep with.
- The Cons: It only heats you, not the room. The moment you step out from under the blanket to go to the kitchen, the cold air hits you immediately. It’s strictly for sitting or sleeping.
The Verdict: Which Saves More? If your goal is strictly to save money, the Heated Blanket wins by a landslide. It costs 95% less to run than a space heater. The smartest strategy? Turn your house thermostat down to 62 degrees, use a heated blanket on the couch and in bed, and avoid the space heater entirely. (We’ve tested the warmest, safest blankets on the market—check out our review of the best heated blankets to find your perfect winter companion!)
However, if you work from home and need your hands free in a freezing office, a low-wattage space heater might be necessary. Just be prepared to pay the price on your utility bill!