Heating pad vs. heated throw: running cost
A heating pad is cheaper to run: about $2 a year versus $5 for a heated throw at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $3 difference.
| Heating pad | Heated throw | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 50 W | 100 W |
| Watt range | 20–120 W | 50–160 W |
| Typical use | 1 hour a day | 3 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 13 kWh | 29 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.6¢ | 1.1¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.6¢ | 3.4¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.19 | $1.04 |
| Cost per year | $2 | $5 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $6 | $13 |
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What drives the difference
- Heating pad: A typical heating pad uses 20-120 W. Even used daily it costs well under a dollar a month.
- 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
Microwavable heat pack
Uses about 0.02 kWh per 2-minute heat-up in the microwave.
See options on Amazon Rechargeable heated vest
Keeps you warm while moving around the house at under 20 W.
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, a heating pad or a heated throw?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a heated throw costs about $5 a year versus $2 for a heating pad. That's $3 more, or 2.3× as much.
How many watts do heating pad and heated throw use?
A heating pad typically draws 50 W (range 20–120 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.