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When winter comes knocking, you automatically know that it is that time of the year when you need to have your jackets and blankets to warm your body. If you are lucky enough to have some extra dollars to spare, getting an electric blanket will be a wise decision to make. This is not your common type of blanket since this one can withstand even the chilliest weather. It operates on electric power to generate heat that is distributed all over the blanket and later transferred to your body. To understand how hot an electric blanket can get, we need to earn how it works.
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How does an electric blanket work?
Electric blankets are also known as heated blankets and most people have used the blankets as an alternative to using heaters. They have several benefits over heaters especially when it comes to maintenance. Electric blankets have low maintenance and will still generate the warmth that you would expect from a heater. To add to that, most consumers have stated that using the standard heated blankets saves them more money.
While electric blankets cannot really replace or surpass the capacity of heaters, they are reliable options as far as giving warmth is concerned. An electric blanket feels like linen only that it has wires that are connected to a heating appliance that operates on electricity. These blankets are normally made from a mix of acrylic along with polyester materials and a wiring system embedded in some fabric.
How hot do electric blankets get?
People might get worried to learn that electric blankets operate on electricity which might get them concerned about their safety. Well, with the strong linen combination as well as the thin wiring, you should never get concerned about electric shocks. You should understand that heat and warmth are brought through coiled wires which are powered via 120V electricity. Averagely, heated blankets could produce between 64 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit at the lowest temperature. However, on its high settings, you can expect the electric blanket to go anywhere between 118 and 132 degrees Fahrenheit. Other than giving off heat, electric blankets are no different from the common blankets that you use in your house or apartment.
Standard heating temperatures are low, medium, and high. There are special kinds of electric blankets that allow people to share the same blanket but with different heating levels. You will mostly find this kind of blanket in king sizes that fit two users at the same time. Remote controls are attached to the sides of these blankets so that you can conveniently control the temperature. It is always advisable to place the controllers on the end location of the bed. This will prevent any entanglement as you sleep.
High-end electric blankets arrive with thermostats that make use of your body’s heat along with the heat from the blanket heater. That gives you the chance to adjust the temperature according to what your body needs. Additionally, they feature integrated automatic shut-off features that prevent fire hazards. You can preset the time to have heat for a given period of time and then the heater will automatically shut off.
Precautions when using electric blankets
Fire hazard is the main concern for anyone who is contemplating using this blanket. As opposed to running on batteries, it is connected to some electrical outlet which should get you worried as a human. Truth be told, accidental piercings from wires, short-circuits, and frayed linen could lead to sparks that can lead to the fabric catching fire. If you are planning to use these blankets during winter, you have to ensure that the blanket works properly. In case you observe some crimps, unusual deformation on your blanket, or burn marks, you should desist from plugging your blanket in.
You also need to interrogate the cloth’s integrity by looking for any frays, tiny wires sticking out, or holes in the fabric. If everything is okay, get an open space where a fire is very unlikely to begin and plug in your blanket.
Overheating is also an issue that you are likely to experience with this appliance. Someone who sits near the window during the cold winter days experiences a different temperature compared to someone in the living room. Overheating is likely to cause accidental burns, especially among the elderly and diabetic people. This is due to the fact that they have very little or no sensation of extreme temperatures.
If you do not intercept immediately, one can experience major burns that need immediate medical attention. In case you experience some ‘hot spots in the blanket, it will be safe to switch the blanket off as that might indicate some wiring malfunction. Pregnant women are advised to stay away from electric blankets as overheating could lead to miscarriages. For your safety, you are advised not to leave your electric blanket on the whole night. Instead, opt for blankets that come with a timer that shuts it off automatically after the preset time lapses.
How to properly store your electric blanket
You should always remember that this is an appliance. For that reason, you should wash the special line at regular intervals and store it as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of this blanket as that could crimp the wires. While some manufacturers approve of the folding of electric blankets, the best way to store your blanket is by rolling it up. Other than keeping the wires safe, rolling your blanket up prevents kink.
Conclusion
When used in the right way, electric blankets provide huge benefits including good health, and a sustainable lifestyle not to mention better sleep. You should never ignore the last bit as good sleep will reduce the risk of serious ailments, improve your mood and also sharpen your thinking. There exist so many myths around electric blankets and safety risks but this should never get you worried. Provided that you buy from reputable brands, you can be sure that your electric blanket will be safe to use at home. Overall, electric blankets bring a simple but very significant step toward improving your health and your overall quality of life.
Do you want to buy an electric blanket? Here’s The Best Electric Blankets for Winter
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