Be Careful with Electric Blankets

Most of us like our bedrooms nice and warm to fall asleep, but the thought of running the heater all night long can send our utility bills through the roof. Homeowners often turn electric blankets to enjoy a cozy bedtime routine while conserving energy and reducing expenses. But like any appliance or device that generates heat, electric blankets pose some risks when they’re damaged or misused. It’s important to observe safety practices and use these blankets carefully. Overnight use is not recommended. While a modern, well-maintained electric blanket is unlikely to cause problems with proper use, it is recommended  to use electric blankets to warm up your bed before you get in, and to turn them off before you fall asleep. The most sophisticated models have timers that give you the luxury of falling asleep in a bed that’s still warming up. One tip is to heat the sheet-covered mattress with the blankets pulled down. After several minutes, pull up the covers and lay down the electric blanket as the top layer. The blankets will trap the heat in the mattress so that the entire bed will feel warm when you get in. Even after you turn the heat off, you may feel the warmth for up to an hour, giving you plenty of time to fall asleep. It’s important to handle your electric blanket carefully and gently. Inspect your blanket before plugging it in to look for tears, exposed wires, or scorch marks. Get rid of the blanket if there are any signs of damage. Never try to patch or repair an exposed wire. When storing one of these blankets, don’t fold it, because the creases may cause the wires to break. Instead, loosely roll it. When you purchase your blanket look to see what the expected lifespan is. It’s a good idea to replace electric blankets at recommended intervals to minimize the risk of fire or electrical shock. Used properly, electric blankets can be among the most effective tools in your winter HVAC efficiency strategy. If you’re looking for other ways to keep your home heating bills low, contact your local HVAC technicians to inquire about inspections, tune-ups, home energy audits and more. Give us a call today at (972) 446-COOL (2665) or find us online at spencerairconditioning.com. Spencer Air Conditioning and Heating has been serving your neighbors since 1960 and we are here to meet all of your HVAC needs.