'I wish I’d thought about them sooner': The $46 winter hack saving Aussies hundreds
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Staying warm in winter can come at a steep price, especially as energy costs continue to climb.
For those without central heating or looking to cut back, the colder months can be particularly challenging.
But one budget-friendly solution is quietly proving to be a game changer—without the sting of a massive power bill.
Winter’s chill often brought more than just frosty mornings—it pushed energy bills into the hundreds for many Australians relying on heaters or air conditioners.
For those unable to afford a heater or living without one, the colder months were more than just uncomfortable—they were downright difficult.
One affordable solution, however, stood out as a quiet achiever for staying warm without blowing the budget.
Electric blankets didn’t heat entire homes, but they worked wonders when it came to warming the body—after all, as the saying went, ‘heat the person, not the home’.
Many Australians turned to heated throws and blankets to cut down on costs while staying cosy, especially in rooms like home offices and lounge areas.
One person said they started using an electric blanket in their home office last year after their heater broke down.
They had already been considering ditching the heater due to how expensive it was to run—adding hundreds to the power bill while barely warming the room.
‘The heater dying gave me the push I needed to buy an electric blanket and gosh, it really warmed me up quickly and kept me warm–I wish I’d thought about them sooner,’ they said.
They also mentioned that when it got too hot, they simply turned down the setting or switched it off entirely and the blanket itself was still enough to keep warm.
Electric blankets and throws were available in a variety of styles—from fitted blankets to heated throws perfect for the couch or desk.
Some electric throws were designed like oversized wearable blankets, making them ideal for reading, working or watching TV.
According to CHOICE, running an electric blanket throughout winter cost no more than $46.
Finder estimated the daily cost at just four cents, making it one of the cheapest heating options available.
Prices for electric blankets started as low as $35 and went up to $300 depending on features, size and brand.
While traditional blankets helped, nothing beat an electric version when it came to quick, consistent warmth.
A survey conducted by Nine.com.au found that 77 per cent of respondents said their primary heating solution was a heater.
Blankets were the next most popular option at 20 per cent, though it wasn’t clear how many were electric.
One respondent shared: ‘I have just bought my partner an electric throw rug as he feels the cold, and I don’t so much. I will put the heater on to take the chill from the room but at the moment this is working for us.’
Another 18 per cent of respondents relied on piling on warm clothes, which remained the most cost-effective heating strategy before turning to powered alternatives.
A further 18 per cent used other heating methods that weren’t specified, while 4 per cent reported using a fireplace and 3 per cent turned to hot water bottles.
While there were many ways to stay warm, electric blankets remained an underrated yet powerful choice.
When combined with warm clothing, many Australians found they could avoid turning on costly heaters altogether—unless they lived in the coldest parts of the country.
In a previous story, we explored how switching from gas to electric is helping homeowners slash their energy bills.
It’s another simple change that’s making a big difference during the colder months.
Read on to find out how more Aussies are making the switch and saving big.
With more Aussies looking to cut energy costs this winter, could electric blankets become the new household essential? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
For those without central heating or looking to cut back, the colder months can be particularly challenging.
But one budget-friendly solution is quietly proving to be a game changer—without the sting of a massive power bill.
Winter’s chill often brought more than just frosty mornings—it pushed energy bills into the hundreds for many Australians relying on heaters or air conditioners.
For those unable to afford a heater or living without one, the colder months were more than just uncomfortable—they were downright difficult.
One affordable solution, however, stood out as a quiet achiever for staying warm without blowing the budget.
The budget winter fix Aussies love. Image source: Kmart
Electric blankets didn’t heat entire homes, but they worked wonders when it came to warming the body—after all, as the saying went, ‘heat the person, not the home’.
Many Australians turned to heated throws and blankets to cut down on costs while staying cosy, especially in rooms like home offices and lounge areas.
One person said they started using an electric blanket in their home office last year after their heater broke down.
They had already been considering ditching the heater due to how expensive it was to run—adding hundreds to the power bill while barely warming the room.
‘The heater dying gave me the push I needed to buy an electric blanket and gosh, it really warmed me up quickly and kept me warm–I wish I’d thought about them sooner,’ they said.
They also mentioned that when it got too hot, they simply turned down the setting or switched it off entirely and the blanket itself was still enough to keep warm.
Electric blankets and throws were available in a variety of styles—from fitted blankets to heated throws perfect for the couch or desk.
Some electric throws were designed like oversized wearable blankets, making them ideal for reading, working or watching TV.
According to CHOICE, running an electric blanket throughout winter cost no more than $46.
Finder estimated the daily cost at just four cents, making it one of the cheapest heating options available.
Prices for electric blankets started as low as $35 and went up to $300 depending on features, size and brand.
While traditional blankets helped, nothing beat an electric version when it came to quick, consistent warmth.
A survey conducted by Nine.com.au found that 77 per cent of respondents said their primary heating solution was a heater.
Blankets were the next most popular option at 20 per cent, though it wasn’t clear how many were electric.
One respondent shared: ‘I have just bought my partner an electric throw rug as he feels the cold, and I don’t so much. I will put the heater on to take the chill from the room but at the moment this is working for us.’
Another 18 per cent of respondents relied on piling on warm clothes, which remained the most cost-effective heating strategy before turning to powered alternatives.
A further 18 per cent used other heating methods that weren’t specified, while 4 per cent reported using a fireplace and 3 per cent turned to hot water bottles.
While there were many ways to stay warm, electric blankets remained an underrated yet powerful choice.
When combined with warm clothing, many Australians found they could avoid turning on costly heaters altogether—unless they lived in the coldest parts of the country.
In a previous story, we explored how switching from gas to electric is helping homeowners slash their energy bills.
It’s another simple change that’s making a big difference during the colder months.
Read on to find out how more Aussies are making the switch and saving big.
With more Aussies looking to cut energy costs this winter, could electric blankets become the new household essential? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
