Long before the nights draw in and people touch the thermostat, September quietly kicks off heated blanket and throw season. For Brits feeling the first chill, it’s the moment to bring out an electric throw or underblanket and get ahead of the cold.
And with the cost of living still putting the pressure on, it’s more than just a comfort move, it’s a smart energy-saving strategy.
Here Maria Bullen, marketing director at heated wellness brand, Dreamland, shares her top tips to freshen, test and switch on your throw or blanket so you’re snug and safe.
Heat the person, not the room
September’s transitional climate is cool enough to feel uncomfortable, yet too mild to justify central heating making heated throws and blankets a perfect, energy-efficient solution. Turning on the central heating can cost pounds per hour. But the cost of running an electric blanket or throw is just pennies. The Dreamland 301wh heated throws* with Intelliheat+® electric throw costs as little as 62p to run for 8 hours**, that’s hours of direct warmth for less.
This is thanks to low-power, smart-heating technology with timer settings and auto shut-off shut-off that keeping things cosy, not costly.
Throw vs Electric Blanket: What’s the difference?
Both deliver targeted warmth and comfort but they’re made for different moments.
● Electric throws: Made for sofas, armchairs, or even working from home. These soft, versatile throws drape over you like a regular blanket but with built-in heating tech.
● Electric blankets: Designed for beds, these sit under or over your sheets, delivering heat while you sleep. In the UK, underblankets are the most common, with some offering all-night warmth with built-in safety timers and dual controls for couples.
How to clean and care for your heated throw or blanket
Keep it fresh, safe, and working perfectly with these simple care tips:
● Most Dreamland throws and blankets are designed to be machine-washable. Simply unplug and detach the control unit before placing your throw in the machine. Wash on a gentle cycle at 30-40 °C, then either air dry or use a low tumble setting to keep the fabric soft and the heating elements protected.
● Keep drinks and liquids away, they don’t mix with electric textiles.
● Fold neatly, avoid tight bends or sharp creases that could damage internal wires.
● Before first use each season, check the fabric, wires, and controller for any wear or damage.
Safety first: Is it time to replace yours?
Electric blankets and throws don’t last forever. Dreamland recommends replacing your heated blanket every 10 years, depending on usage and condition. Here are signs it’s time for an upgrade:
● Frayed or thin fabric
● Cold spots or uneven heating
● Unresponsive or glitchy controls
● Buzzing sounds or unusual smells
● Visible wiring or scorch marks
If in doubt, don’t risk it. Heated products must be in good condition to ensure both safety and performance.
Understanding the cost of warmth
From 1 July to 30 September 2025, Ofgem’s energy price cap sets the average cost of electricity at 25.73p per kWh for a typical UK household.
In a time of fluctuating energy prices and increasing cost-of-living pressures, using localised, low-wattage heating like throws or blankets allows households to heat the person, not the room. This aligns with recommendations from the Energy Saving Trust and other energy advisory groups who suggest delaying full central heating activation until later in autumn when ambient temperatures remain consistently below 15°C.
With energy costs forecast to rise again in winter, using heated throws in September as a bridge between summer and full autumn heating helps spread out usage and costs ensuring that warmth doesn’t come with a heavy financial penalty.
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