Heated Throw Running Cost UK: A Complete Guide to Saving Energy

TL;DR: The Quick Answer

If you are wondering about the exact heated throw running cost UK, the answer is highly reassuring. Based on current UK Ofgem price cap rates (averaging around 24.5p per kWh), a standard 100W heated throw costs just 2.5p per hour to run. Therefore, using it for four hours every evening will only add about 10p to your daily electricity bill, making it an incredibly cost-effective alternative to turning up your central heating.

How much does a heated throw cost to run per hour in the UK?

Based on our testing at Hillington, understanding your energy usage is the first step to reducing your winter bills. To calculate the exact running cost, you simply need to convert the wattage of your throw into kilowatts (kW) and multiply it by your energy provider's pence per kWh.

For instance, most modern heated throws use between 100W and 150W. Consequently, the mathematics look like this:

• 100W throw: 0.1 kW x 24.5p = 2.45p per hour
• 150W throw: 0.15 kW x 24.5p = 3.67p per hour

Furthermore, because many heated throws feature thermostatic controls, they often power down once they reach the target temperature. As a result, your actual hourly running cost may be even lower than these estimates.

What is the difference between an electric blanket and a heated throw?

While often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between these two popular winter warmers. An electric blanket (or underblanket) is designed to be fitted directly onto your mattress, beneath your bedsheet. Conversely, a heated throw is an overblanket—meaning you can drape it over your shoulders on the sofa or layer it on top of your duvet.

According to UK guidelines from the Energy Saving Trust, both options are brilliant for "heating the human, not the home." However, throws offer far greater versatility because they are completely portable around the house.

Is it cheaper to use a heated throw or central heating?

Without a doubt, using a heated throw is significantly cheaper than running central heating. While a gas boiler can cost upwards of £1.20 to £1.50 per hour to heat an entire house, a heated throw costs mere pennies. By turning your thermostat down by just one degree and using a heated throw instead, you could save up to 10% on your annual heating bills.

Looking for the right tool? Check the desiccant bags for full UK specs.

However, there is an important caveat to consider. When you reduce your central heating, cold rooms hold less moisture, which frequently leads to condensation on windows and dampness on walls. To combat this, we highly recommend using Hillington dehumidifier bags in colder rooms. These affordable moisture absorbers effortlessly prevent damp smells and mould, ensuring your home stays fresh and dry even when the heating is turned low.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are heated throws safe to leave on overnight?

According to UK fire safety guidelines, you should not leave a heated throw switched on while you are sleeping unless the manufacturer explicitly states it is safe for overnight use. Instead, we recommend using the timer function to pre-heat your bed, ensuring the device switches off automatically after you drift off.

What is the cheapest electric blanket to run in the UK?

The cheapest electric blankets and throws to run are those with lower wattage ratings (typically around 60W to 100W) and built-in timers. Additionally, look for models with variable heat settings, as keeping the blanket on a low, continuous heat uses less electricity than constantly blasting it on the maximum setting.

Do heated throws use a lot of electricity?

Not at all. In fact, they are among the most energy-efficient household appliances. As detailed above, the heated throw running cost in the UK is roughly 2.5p to 4p per hour. To put that into perspective, boiling a full kettle just once uses roughly the same amount of electricity as running your heated throw for a full hour.