subject: Curling Up With An Electric Heating Blanket: Understanding The Benefits [print this page] Have you ever laid in bed for hours at night, too cold to fall asleep, but too cold to get out of bed and grab an extra pair of socks? You don't need to lose another night of sleep-try an electric blanket!
They continually provide a level of warmth to an individual despite the temperature in the room. They are available in all of the conventional bedding sizes and can be used anywhere warmth is desired.
Some models have protective features that allow an individual to use them without worrying about overheating. Likewise, it is interesting to note that some versions are not merely for personal use.
They are used for industrial purposes to keep materials warm while in transport. Blankets that provide heat offer the convenience of personalized heating.
For those individuals that are always cold, these cozy additions offer warmth at the desired level. They are available in all sizes from twin to California king.
They are operated by with a digital controller. This controller allows the individual to choose the level of warmth desired, and all the controllers have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the heat supply after a certain amount of time.
Queen and king size ones may have two controllers, so that if it is shared both individuals can control the amount of heat on their portion. Perfect for when one spouse runs hot, and one runs cold!
The best models heat up fairly fast, have even heat distribution, and remain the same size after washing. For safety reasons, there are some people that prefer to purchase a low voltage style because there is less chance of overheating.
In general, it is recommended that individuals not use a heated blanket with other heated items such as heated mattress pads, body pillows, or bed warmers. It is also suggested that individuals avoid using ones that heat electricity with items such as water beds and adjustable beds to ensure complete safety.
In all, these items provide warmth that will make the user quite comfortable. They contain very small channels in the fabric.
Thin carbon fiber wiring is inserted into these channels and radiates infrared heat when voltage is applied. The voltage required is only 24 volts, so the control mechanism steps wall voltage down from the standard 110 to a much safer level of 24 volts.
Carbon fiber wiring is the same technology used in automobiles with heated seats. When compared to the cost of blowing a heater in a room, buying one of these small additions makes economic sense.
There is no need to heat an entire room's volume of air when warmth is only needed at the specific location where you are lying or seated. They can generally be washed in a machine on gentle cycle, which may surprise some given its electric parts.
Industrial versions usually have a chemical resistance requirement, and must be durable under harsh conditions and rough treatment. Additionally, they usually have specific heat profile requirements.
Many industrial models are not made from fabric, but from silicone rubber sheets. Silicone has excellent chemical resistance, distributes the temperature uniformly, and stands up well to rough handling.
Specific industrial applications require specialized versions. PVC ones are a common example.
They are not, as one might think, made from polyvinyl chloride material. They are instead used to warm up polyvinyl chloride piping.
Plumbers wrap them around the PVC tubing, and fasten it in place with straps. It provides controlled, even warmer temperatures to the surface of the PVC pipe.
It is then removed, and the pipe can be uniformly bent by hand into an offset or saddle form, as required for the particular installation. This approach is much more efficient than gluing turns or elbows into the line, because the interior of the pipe remains smooth, and there are no sharp turns or edges to cause flow turbulence in the finished system.
These types can be purchased from several hundred to a thousand dollars, depending upon the diameter of the pipe to heat. However, if you want one for simple, personal use, it can make a fantastic Christmas gift!
Is there anything better than the gift of warmth? Make sure that you and your loved ones stay cozy for the next few winter months.
