Heated mattress pad vs. heated throw: running cost
A heated throw is cheaper to run: about $5 a year versus $15 for a heated mattress pad at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $10 difference.
| Heated mattress pad | Heated throw | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 150 W | 100 W |
| Watt range | 60–250 W | 50–160 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | 3 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 83 kWh | 29 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 1.2¢ | 1.1¢ |
| Cost per day | 9.9¢ | 3.4¢ |
| Cost per month | $3.00 | $1.04 |
| Cost per year | $15 | $5 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $36 | $13 |
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What drives the difference
- Heated mattress pad: Heated mattress pads use 60-250 W at full power, but their controllers cycle the heat so a mid setting averages roughly 40-50% of that.
- Heated throw: Heated throws are around 50x60 in and draw 50-160 W. They are one of the cheapest ways to stay warm on the couch.
Ways to cut either cost
Keeps you warm while moving around the house at under 20 W.
See options on AmazonSimilar cost; useful if you prefer heat from above.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a heated mattress pad or a heated throw?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a heated mattress pad costs about $15 a year versus $5 for a heated throw. That's $10 more, or 2.9× as much.
How many watts do heated mattress pad and heated throw use?
A heated mattress pad typically draws 150 W (range 60–250 W). A heated throw draws 100 W (range 50–160 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.