Feng Shui Office Desk Article
Buying an electric blanket
I am shopping around for a good electric blanket this year. We have oil heat in our home and the cost of fuel is really high this season. Our family is keeping the heat pretty low and this is not really a problem during the day. We have a wood burner in the basement that helps keep the chill off, but the fire goes out in the wee hours of the morning leaving us shivering.
We find ourselves waking up in the middle of the night because of the chill. The problem is especially evident in our bedroom because it is in an older part of the home. Our daughter’s nursery is cozy and warm all night long, but my husband and I literally freeze. An electric blanket seems to be the perfect solution to our winter woes.
This idea does not come without some thought about how different my husband and I are. I tend to get the chills while he is peeling clothes off. I sit under a couple of throws on the couch while he is sitting in shorts and a t-shirt. If we bought an electric blanket, it would have to have different temperatures for each side.
When it comes to sleeping comfort, my husband and I actually prefer the temperature to be a little lower. Neither of us can sleep when it is too warm but sometimes regular bedding just is not enough to keep us comfortable at night. The slightly colder temperatures are not as problematic during the day because no one is usually home and if we are, we’re usually moving around quite a bit.
The only time the fuel-saving method of keeping the thermostat at a relatively low temperature really interferes with our comfort is when we are trying to get to sleep. An electric blanket with an automatic shut-off would be a welcome addition to our bedding as well. Many times a warming blanket can be too warm and this can disrupt our sleep as well. As a general rule, we like the temperature to be a little lower at night.
The ideal electric blanket gives off mild heat that can be adjusted to each person’s selected temperature preference. The blanket should also have an automatic shut-off to keep us from waking up because we are too warm in the middle of the night. This may be a lot to ask from a little throw, but it would be a welcomed addition to our collection of throws.
On those cold winter nights when it is snowing outside and you just can not seem to get warm you can plug in an electric blanket and start feeling toasty in minutes. When you are sitting in a recliner with your feet up and your toes are like ice cubes, you can drape the electric blanket across them and thaw those toes out in no time. When camping, take a generator with you, plug in that electric blanket and you can keep warm all night. The one thing in common in all of these scenarios is that using electricity to warm a blanket can provide you with a wonderful sense of comfort.
But there is always some caution to be exercised with anything electric. When buying an electric blanket do not rely on anyone else’s findings from research. Do your own research on the type that you are considering purchasing, how you will be using it and its safety ratings. As with any electric devise fires can happen. Too much exposure to heat can cause burns. Putting a sheet or light weight blanket between you and the electric blanket could give you the best results and prevent prolonged exposure.
If you intend to use it at night when sleeping make sure your research includes that information. Many experts feel that it’s not safe to keep it plugged in while you are asleep. A good alternative is to place it next to your sheet for a few moments before bed and then unplug it. The warmth will stay with you as you drift off to sleep.
There are other safety precautions when it comes to using one. When warming your feet or legs wear socks and pants or use a light weight throw between you and the electric blanket to prevent any kind of burns from prolonged exposure.
They are also perfect when you or one of your children is not feeling up to par. It can help a fevered child warm up while they sip on juice and watch their favorite cartoons.
From an older person in a wheelchair with poor circulation to a middle aged person passing time crocheting a first grandchild blanket to a young person reclining in a chair and reading, the electric blanket can be a great investment. When the heater just does not work on the extremities and the fire in the fireplace starts to wane the electric blanket is a great and warm back up. Just remember to research any and all products that can potentially harm you.
