How to Use the Bed Tent and Heating Gadget Savings Calculator
If winter heating bills have you turning down the thermostat and relying on a bed tent or heated blanket to stay warm, this calculator shows exactly how much you're saving. Enter your current monthly heating bill, how many degrees you've lowered the thermostat, and the gadget's monthly electricity cost to see your net savings.
The calculation uses the U.S. Department of Energy's widely cited rule that each 1°F setback saves roughly 1% on heating costs. Multiplying that percentage by your current bill estimates the heating savings, and subtracting the gadget's electricity cost gives you the real, net amount you keep.
Heating gadgets warm just the space around your body instead of the whole house, so you can get similar comfort for a fraction of the electricity cost of central heating. That said, lowering the thermostat too far can cause condensation or discomfort, so keeping the setback within about 5-8°F is generally the safe range.
The result also shows total savings across a roughly 4-month heating season, which makes it easier to judge whether buying a heating gadget is actually worth it. See the FAQ below for more on the savings assumption and a safe setback range.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's based on the U.S. Department of Energy's commonly cited guideline that lowering your thermostat 1°F saves roughly 1% on heating costs. Actual savings vary with insulation and heating system.
Lowering it too much can cause condensation or health issues, so keeping the setback within about 5-8°F is generally considered safe. Use heating gadgets to stay comfortable at the lower setting.