Electric blanket vs. space heater: running cost
An electric blanket is cheaper to run: about $11 a year versus $148 for a space heater at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $137 difference.
| Electric blanket | Space heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 100 W | 1,500 W |
| Watt range | 60–200 W | 750–1,500 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | 6 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 62 kWh | 825 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.9¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per day | 7.3¢ | 97¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.23 | $29.67 |
| Cost per year | $11 | $148 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $27 | $359 |
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What drives the difference
- Electric blanket: Electric blankets draw 60-200 W depending on size; controllers pulse the heating wire so average draw on a mid setting is about half the rated watts.
- Space heater: Nearly all plug-in space heaters draw 1,500 W on high, the most a standard 15-amp outlet can safely supply. Every model converts electricity to heat at the same 100% rate, so the thermostat setting and hours matter more than the brand.
Ways to cut either cost
Heat rises from beneath you so lower settings feel warmer.
See options on AmazonAdds insulation for zero running cost.
See options on AmazonStores heat in oil so it holds room temperature on its lower 600-900 W settings and cycles less.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an electric blanket or a space heater?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a space heater costs about $148 a year versus $11 for an electric blanket. That's $137 more, or 13.3× as much.
How many watts do electric blanket and space heater use?
An electric blanket typically draws 100 W (range 60–200 W). A space heater draws 1,500 W (range 750–1,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.