A modern electric blanket is composed of grids of thin, insulated wires. These wires generate heat inside the entire blanket. Therefore, if you are easily chilled and often like to turn up the heat or layer with sweaters, especially as you sleep, an electric blanket will be the perfect thing for you!

History:

When electricity was born in the 1900s, electrical elements were added to many common household items. The very first electric blankets were very dangerous, but have since been further developed, designed for your comfort and safety.

It wasn't until the 1920s that electric blankets became appealing to the general public. Tuberculosis patients would spend much of their recovery time outdoors because the air was fresher than the air inside, however, the temperatures would significantly drop overnight. Hospitals and private nurses soon began to use electric blankets to keep their patients warm outside. Gradually the electric blanket made its way to the public market, available for anyone to purchase.

Modern electric blankets:

The earliest electric blankets had adjustable thermostats to control temperature, but more modern versions use rheostats. So what is a rheostat? Rheostats not only measure the heat generated by your blanket, but also take into account the body heat you will generate as you use it. This results in a more even heating overall.

However, we must not forget that because the wires embedded in these blankets are, in fact, powered by electricity, there are always risks of shock or fire. The manufacturers make certain that they warn the consumer not to misuse an electric blanket because of these risks.

If you have an older electric blanket, it has been shown that the continued use of older electric blankets has been the cause of many accidental fires and electrocutions. The problems that create such risks have been continuously and are in an ongoing development of the safest possible electric blankets. So if you own an old electric blanket, please get rid of it and purchase a new one, for your own safety.

A great fact about electric blankets is that a single, thin layer of bedding (i.e. the electric blanket) can replace several expensive cover sheets, and other blankets and comforters. Therefore, many people wanted to purchase them to help them save money on winter warmth.

There are ways to find electric blankets without having to pay expensive prices for them. Electric blankets come in all different colors, sizes, and designs. So check out the reasonable prices offered for high quality electric blankets and purchase one at a cost that you can easily afford.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on home design and comfort please visit Electric Blankets.