Electric blanket vs space heater: Heating expert weighs in on which is better

Teeth are chattering across the nation as Aussies shiver through icy winter temperatures and search for ways to keep warm. 

Some are snuggling up with electric blankets while others are relying on space heaters to keep out the chill, but which one is the better option?

According to one heating expert, there are pros and cons to both – including cost reduction and practicality – but he warns there is one key thing to keep in mind to avoid a huge problem.

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Professor Alistair Sproul of UNSW’s School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering tells 9honey it ultimately comes down to “personal preference”. 

Even in his own home, Sproul says while he and his wife “see eye-to-eye on most things”, sorting out exactly how to go about keeping warm in their home can be a sticking point. 

Sproul says using a space heater, especially in rooms you spend a lot of time in or with several people, can be a lot more comfortable.

“You want to have a heated room in winter so it’s a little more welcoming,” he says.

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However, of course, space heaters can chew up more energy and drive up your bills, especially in older, draughty houses. 

If your number one priority is conserving energy and saving money, relying on heated blankets over space heaters is the way to go.

Sproul says using a heated blanket in your bed, where the heat is concentrated in the small space under your doona, would be “the most energy efficient” option. 

“What’s nice about that is the heat you’re putting into the bed is sort of being trapped in there by the doona, that’s acting as a nice little layer of insulation.”

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That energy efficiency also depends on how often you use the heated blanket – those who have it on all night will be chewing up more energy than those who use it for a few hours to warm up the bed.

This is the same for the portable heated blankets that are popular for snuggling up with on the lounge.

But, of course, that warmth is designated only to a small space and the rest of your home will remain chilly.

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What heated blankets have in cost efficiency, they lack in practicality. The opposite can be said for space heaters.

So ultimately, Sproul says, it comes down to your priorities. 

“It’s the difference between heating one person or heating everything in that room,” Sproul says. 

While an electric blanket is “definitely a cheaper option”, it may not be the most practical and Sproul warns that choosing not to heat your home with a space heater or central heating could be a recipe for an unwanted home intruder – mould. 

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Sproul explains that when a house gets too cold, it can cause condensation on the walls which can result in mould, especially in homes with poor ventilation.

“In some climates like in Sydney and further south, there will be some houses where you can start to get walls that are getting so cold they’re gonna get condensation on them. You do not want that.”

“As soon as you get condensation, there’s the chance of you developing mould and the last thing you want in your bedroom or anywhere in your house is mould.”

Heating your home with a space heater can help prevent any potential mould, Sproul says.

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