How to Choose an Electric Blanket

Electric blankets can seriously reduce heating costs during winter months.

Electric blankets make your bed warm and cozy before you ever slip between the sheets, and using them during the night can dramatically cut your heating costs during the winter months. In fact, if you lower the thermostat at night for the eight hours that you are asleep, some experts predict that you can cut your energy bill by almost a third. However, you need to select the right kind of electric blanket or pad to make sure that this savings measure does not end up costing you comfortable slumber.

Things You'll Need

• Bed measurements

Instructions

1. Decide how you want to use your electric blanket. Electric blankets come in many shapes and sizes. Some are throws intended for day use much as an afghan, while others are large enough to cover the entire bed and be tucked in on the sides like sheets. Still others are more like mattress pads and often are recommended by doctors for people with poor circulation. Your personal needs will determine what type of blanket you buy.

2. Select which beds will have an electric blanket. If every bed in your home has an occupant, then you will likely need electric blankets or pads for all of them. Depending on the age, needs and desires of each bed's owner, you may need to purchase different types of blankets. For example, you may wish to get a teenager a blanket with a variety of settings, while a younger child will simply fiddle and play with the options given the opportunity.

3. Evaluate the health ramifications for all family members. Babies, infants and toddlers should not use electric blankets. If anyone in your family has respiratory problems, consult a doctor before implementing the use of an electric blanket in the family member's bed.

4. Evaluate your beds to make sure they are compatible with electric blankets. Water beds, sofa beds and adjustable beds should not be used with electric blankets or heated mattress pads. If you want to turn the heat down at night but some family members sleep on any of these types of beds, you will need to make other arrangements for them.

5. 

   Determine what type of controls you will need for the blanket. If you want a light heat for your bed before you get in, you can probably buy a relatively simple blanket with low, medium and high settings. However, if you and your bedmate have very different sleep styles and habits or if you have to have the temperature "just right" in order to slumber peacefully, then you should select a blanket with dual controls and a wide gradient of temperature settings.

6. 

   Decide whether style is an issue. Traditionally, electric blankets have had an extremely utilitarian look. If you are going to place a comforter on top of the blanket, then a basic style will work fine for you. However, if you are going to use the blanket as a throw or keep it in a visible place, you may want to invest a little extra money in order to get a pleasant design, warm color or pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a doctor before using an electric blanket on a child's bed.