Do you have questions about how electric blankets work?
Now that winter is upon us, many of us are considering the best way to keep toasty warm in bed without spending a fortune on heating. Well, you might be surprised to learn that by far the most cost effective way of escaping the winter chill, and huge electricity bills, is by using an electric blanket.
How much on average does it cost to run an Electric Blanket?
Contrary to popular belief, an electric blanket costs almost nothing to run – in fact on average they cost approximately 4 cents per hour. This is because they are very effective at dispersing heat (through built in wires) and then trapping heat beneath the quilt.
Most people who are regular users of electric blankets tend to switch their blanket on for about 30 minutes (on an average setting) before they get into bed. This makes the bed beautifully warm to get into. Once in, they often turn the electric blanket off, as the heat is trapped in the bed with nowhere to escape to and thus they are liable to stay warm for the remainder of the night. If you consider the cost of warming your bed like this, you are looking at:
30 minutes run time @ average 4c per hour x winter (say 90 nights) = $1.80.
For people who prefer to keep the electric blanket on all night (say 8 hours per night), the financial implications are still pretty impressive:
8 hours per night @ average 4c per hour x 90 nights = $28.80 per winter.
What temperature should I set my electric blanket at?
Wth Bambi’s electric blankets, you can select any temperature between 0-9, however we recommend placing it on no more than 4-5 for a comfortable night’s sleep. If you feel too hot during the night, it is easy to turn the temperature down (or even off).
Are electric blankets safe?
Electric Blankets have changed considerably over the years and today well-made, reputable electric blankets have many safety features added, which include overheat protection sensors and auto time cut off. To ensure your safety though, you should always read the safety instructions which come with your electric blanket. These will usually include the most important tips to keep in mind, including:
- Roll your electric blanket carefully when placing into storage
- Replace your blanket if it has bent wiring, scorch marks, frayed fabric, exposed elements, dampness, worn patches, damaged cords or loose connections.
- Never use electric blankets for baby. They are also not recommended for toddlers or small children
- We recommend that even if your electric blanket is in good condition, it should be replaced after 10 years.
Where should my electric blanket go on my bed?
You can easily add an electric blanket to your preexisting bed setup. We recommend that the electric blanket is placed underneath a fitted sheet (so the direct heat is not against your skin). If you have layers on your bed, such as a mattress topper, underblanket, underquilt etc, in most cases we would recommend: (from the top down):
- Doona/Quilt/Duvet
- Optional loose sheet
- Fitted sheet
- Electric Blanket
- Loose sheet
- Mattress Topper/Underlay/underquilt etc
- Mattress
If in doubt, Bambi are here to help, so please email, phone or message us with your specifics so we can advise the best option for your particular situation.
What should I look for in an electric blanket?
- Finding an electric blanket that has a fully fitted skirt so there’s no movement during the night.
- Choose an electric blanket that has a number of heat options rather than simply low, medium & high. This way you have greater control over your comfort level.
- Always choose an electric blanket with a timer control that automatically switches off your blanket after a period of time. This will ensure your electric blanket cannot be left on accidentally for an indefinite time period.
- If possible, purchase an electric blanket with an Overheat Safeguard system.
- Ideally, your electric blanket should have detachable controls, so your blanket can be stored safely.
- Opt for an electric blanket with an LCD display (and preferably raised buttons, so you can feel these in the dark.
- Make sure your electric blanket comes with a guarantee.
BAMBI’S ELECTRIC BLANKET OPTIONS
Bambi has two electric blankets to choose from:
MOODMAKER FLEECY 2-in-1 ELECTRIC BLANKETS
Stay warm this winter with this super snug, lush fleecy electric blanket. Created with warmth and comfort in mind, these electric blankets have a dual control (one control on single and king single, 2 on all other sizes) and are encased with the most gorgeous soft fleecy cover to provide you with all night comfort.
Featuring a fully removable poly fleecy cover – this fleecy electric blanket is fitted with a zip that fastens the fleecy underblanket to the electric blanket. Once unzipped you can store the electric blanket component away and leave the fleecy underblanket on your mattress for in between seasons – this is the ideal 2-in-1 product made from top quality fleecy.
- Fully fitted to your bed with an extra deep stretch skirt to ensure minimal movement during the night.
- Timer control allows you to select up to 10 hours of continuous use.
- These Bambi fleecy electric blankets can be machine washed and tumbled dried and have a 3 year product guarantee for quality.
- Fleecy cover can be removed from the electric blanket and converts to underlay. Once the fleecy cover is removed elastic straps remain in place for fitting to bed.
- Fitted with overheat safeguard system
- Fully detachable controls for ease of washing and storing (1 controller on SB, LS & KSB, 2 on all other sizes)
- Easy view LCD display with raised buttons so you can feel them in the dark
- Fleecy is a poly fleecy.
- Available in Single, Long Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King and Super King
MOODMAKER COTTON ELECTRIC BLANKETS
Stay warm this winter with this reliable, super snug, cotton-covered electric blankets. Created with warmth and comfort in mind, these electric blankets have a dual control (1 control on single and king single, 2 on all other sizes) and are encased in a luxurious pure cotton sateen cover with a classic self stripe.
- Fully fitted to your bed with an extra deep stretch skirt to ensure no movement during the night.
- Timer control allows you to select up to 10 hours of continuous use.
- These Bambi electric blankets can be machine washed and tumbled dry and have a 2 year product guarantee for quality.
- Fitted with overheat safeguard system
- Fully detachable controls for ease of washing and storing (1 control on SB and KSB, 2 on all other sizes)
- Easy view LCD display
- Available in Single, Long Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King and Super King
ELECTRIC BLANKETS SIZES:
Single: 92 x 188 cm
Long Single: 92 x 203 cm
King Single: 107 x 203 cm
Double: 137 x 188 cm
Queen: 153 x 203 cm
King: 183 x 203 cm
Operation instructions for Bambi’s Controllers:
- First attach the controller to your electric blanket and then plug in at a power point.
- In the centre of your controller you will find an ON/OFF button. Press this button ONCE.
- Select which temperature you would like your electric blanket to operate at. To do this, simply press the PLUS or MINUS buttons on the LEFT hand side of the controller (these are located under the symbol HEAT).
- Next, select how long you would like your electric blanket to operate for. To do this, simply press the PLUS or MINUS buttons on the RIGHT hand side of the controller (these are located under the symbol AUTO OFF).
- Your blanket is now ready for use.
Points to Note:
- When you initially switch your electric blanket on, a blue light will come on in the display panel. Note this light will only stay on for approximately 10 seconds. Even though the blue light will go out, it does not mean your electric blanket is not working. It has simply turned off so your room is not infused with blue light while you sleep.
- The heat settings are between L, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and H. For comfortable warmth, Bambi would recommend placing this at a setting of 4, 5 or 6.
- The options for hours of operation are between 1 and 9. For your safety, your electric blanket will turn off automatically after ten hours of use.
- If you wish to turn your electric blanket OFF at any time, simply press the ON/OFF button located in the middle of the controller. Once the BLUE LIGHT has illuminated, press the ON/OFF button again. Your electric blanket is now switched off.
