Chilly or even freezing nights can ruin the best of experiences, because if you can't get warm, you're going to be miserable. When the power goes out, and the heating along with it, you may struggle to keep warm during the night, including when you're sleeping.
Equally, if you're camping out in a winter wonderland and settling down for the evening, in a tent or RV, staying warm is vital -- not just for your comfort but also your safety. Hypothermia is a real risk when in the great outdoors, and can have serious consequences if you can't warm up quickly.
That's why lots of people opt for an electric blanket to stay cozy at home and while on the road. It's a relatively inexpensive appliance and will have you as warm as toast in a flash. There's no more climbing into a freezing bed when an electric blanket will make it toasty and you'll have a great night's sleep.
What is an Electric Blanket and How Does It Work?
An electric blanket is essentially just a blanket with a heating element inside. Thin wires spread along the blanket generate heat when it's plugged into a power source. You can decide how warm you want the blanket as it will have a thermostat with various levels of heat.
When running, an electric blanket distributes heat along its surface, allowing you to warm a bed before getting in. Some are designed for the bottom layer of the bed while others are meant for the top, placed over the blankets.
More modern versions of electric blankets use fiberglass instead of wires, and this makes them safer to use. If you're wondering how that generates heat, the answer is that it's infrared, and it also makes their operation much more efficient.
Electric blankets are commonly used to:
- Stay warm during the cold winter months.
- Make you more comfortable when outdoors, such as in a tent or RV at a campsite or off-grid.
- Give you an extra layer of warmth when there's a power outage or other emergency.
Reliable Power to Keep an Electric Blanket Going
You won't be able to plug your electric blanket in when there's a sudden power cut, or if you're in the great outdoors and far from civilization. That leaves a backup power source as your only solution if you want to stay warm in bed.
A portable power pack like the BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station has all the backup power you need to use your electric blanket, or blankets, for extended periods. It's highly portable, so you can move it around your home or campsite with ease, has 768Wh capacity with seven outlets, and the battery is designed to last for 10 years.
Using a power backup that's not up to the task will cause discomfort when you need heat the most and your electric blanket stops working because there's not enough power.
Other Appliances and Devices to Stay Warm in Winter
While an electric blanket is a staple of homes during the chilly winter months, there are other appliances and devices you can use during power cuts so that your environment remains warm and cozy. They include:
- Space heaters: These are used to heat a small area beside you. Make sure they're portable so you can move them about.
- Heated Sleeping Bags: Also called electric sleeping bags, they're ideal when camping in the autumn and winter.
- Battery-operated Hand Warmers: Designed to quickly warm up frozen hands when you come in from the cold or there's a power outage.
These will also need a backup power source for when they’re in use, so choose one that’s versatile and has several outlets that will let you use multiple devices or appliances at once.
Staying Safe When Using an Electric Blanket
If you're planning to use an electric blanket on your next camping trip, or during a power outage, there are several things to keep in mind so that you don't risk injury.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions for use carefully, and follow them.
- If part of your electric blanket is torn, frayed or damaged in any other way, do not use it.
- Keep your electric blanket laid out flat when you're using it and don't fold or crease it -- doing so could make it overheat.
To get the most out of your electric blanket, don't set the temperature to high but opt for low or medium heat instead. This will help to extend its life. You could also use insulated bedding so the heat that an electric blanket gives off is trapped and you stay warmer for longer.
An electric blanket is a simple solution to staying warm during cold spells, whether in the house or outside. Using it properly and looking after it will help to ensure many years of warm enjoyment, wherever you happen to be.
FAQs
Is It Safe to Sleep with an Electric Blanket All Night?
Generally, no, because both you and the appliance might overheat during the night, due to continuous heat generation, from the blanket and your body. Look for a timer on some electric blanket models, or heat up your bed before getting into it, and then turn it off.
Do Electric Blankets Use a Lot of Electricity?
Electric blankets need between 100 and 150 watts of power, which is not that much.
What Is the Difference Between a Heated Blanket and an Electric Blanket?
A heated blanket is one that you place over your body to warm up. An electric blanket is usually placed in or on a bed to warm it before you get in.
Is an Electric Blanket Cheaper Than a Hot Water Bottle?
You will need to boil water for a hot water bottle, and the electricity used to generate it would likely run an electric blanket for several hours. Plus, a hot water bottle warms a much smaller area.
