Energy bills have gone up again and it’s getting colder, darker and wetter out there. With Ofgem raising prices another 2% in October, many households will be scrambling to try to reduce their energy bills and avoid turning on the thermostat wherever possible.

Martin Lewis often espouses the benefits of ‘heat the human, not the home’, to those worried about their electricity or gas bills, and one of the easiest and cosiest ways to do that is with an electric blanket. According to energy experts, using an electric blanket is much cheaper than running the heating.

Sam Morris, heating expert at Which? says: “One of the cheapest ways we’ve found to keep yourself cosy is to wrap up in an electric blanket. Our tests have found they typically cost between 2p to 6p an hour to run on their highest setting – much cheaper than the average fan heater. 

“This means that if you used an electric blanket for three hours a night, every night, for half the year, the cheapest-to-run options would only cost about £11 in total, versus £33 for the most expensive. You can reduce the cost further by setting the blanket to a lower setting, or turning it off sooner. The blanket will still remain warm for a couple of hours after turning the power off, so you feel the benefit without the cost ticking up.”

Bed experts at Silentnight explain that to use an electric blanket safely, you should spread it on the bed and make sure wires are not near your neck.

It says: “To start using your electric blanket, spread it over the bed and make sure any wires or controls are clear of your neck area. Silentnight electric blankets are designed with the controls at the head of the bed safely out of the way (other manufacturers may vary). 

“Next, plug the cord into your blanket, and then into the wall. Switch the controller to your preferred settings, depending on how chilly you are, and you’ll soon feel the calming and snug warmth.    

“Electric blankets are very safe to use with the correct care and guidance. When purchasing an electric blanket, buying one that is brand new, rather than second-hand, is always advisable. It’s also important to check that the blanket you choose includes overheating protection.”

However, the safest way to use one is to simply use it as you settle into bed, then turn it off once you’re about to fall to sleep.

Silentnight adds: “Electric blankets should never be left unattended when turned on but, we know it’s easy to doze off when snuggled under one.

“We don’t recommend sleeping with an electric blanket on or leaving it heated up all night unless you have a thermostatic control or timer which will automatically turn it off. You should make sure to read the instructions before using your electric blanket as this has all the information you need to prevent any hazards, including safety advice. “