How much does it cost to run an electric blanket?
WITH temperatures plummeting while energy bills have risen this week, electric blankets can help to keep the chill off on cold nights.
The handy gadgets can be a great way to keep your bill under control during cold weather.
It may be tempting to use an electric blanket at night instead of your central heating now that a typical household energy bill has risen to £1,738 a year.
But before you pull out an electric blanket, read on to find out how much extra it will add to your energy bill.
How much does it cost to run an electric blanket?
According to research from Uswitch, these gadgets use 80 watts of energy and cost just 2p an hour to run.
Based on the current cap it costs 14p to run an electric blanket for one hour a day for seven days.
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If you were to use an electric blanket for one hour a day, every day of the week for a year, it would cost you £7.30 in total.
Using an electric blanket instead of putting the heating up can help you save money on your bill, according to the experts.
Uswitch energy expert Ben Gallizzi said electric blankets are a cost-effective alternative to putting on the heating as you can use them for short periods on a timer.
He said: “Electric blankets and throws are a great way to keep warm without putting on the heating for the whole house.
“Electric blankets that go under your fitted sheet typically use less energy, as they are designed to be used for the whole night.
“The average device might use between 60W and 100W, while some modern energy-efficient models could use as little as 15W.”
Meanwhile, if you opt for an electric throw then you could end up paying more.
These gadgets cost 4p an hour to run and use 160 watts of energy.
If you used an electric throw every day for a week then it would cost 28p in total.
If you used the throw every day for a year then it would cost you £14.60 - twice as much as the electric blanket.
What energy bill help is available?
There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Ben Gallizzi explains: “Electric throws or over blankets that go over the duvet often have a higher power as they are designed to be used for short periods.
“The average device might use between 120W and 200W, while a really powerful version might go up to 250W.”
How else you can reduce your bill
Turning your thermostat down by one notch can help you lower your bills by an enormous £90 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST).
Meanwhile, keeping your thermostat at a steady temperature will save even more.
Make sure to turn your household appliances off and do not leave them on standby as this could add as precious pounds to your bill.
Switching devices off standby can help you save £45 in GB and £55 in Northern Ireland, according to the EST.
There are also grants and schemes you could be eligible for, such as the Warm Home Discount.
There are plenty of energy grants and schemes open to help you out if you're struggling - ask your supplier to check.
For example, British Gas confirmed that it'll pay its most vulnerable customers grants worth up to £2,00 to help with sky-high bills.
Meanwhile, EDF's Customer Support Fund provides grants to support vulnerable customers struggling with energy debt.
Grants are given to help clear debt as well as to provide essential white goods, such as fridges or cookers.
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You may also be able to get a fuel voucher if you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter.
You'll get the voucher as a code in a letter, text message or email.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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