An electric blanket warms the bed before you crawl under the sheets on chilly winter nights, and helps keep you cosy even if you reduce your home's thermostat at night to save energy. Electric blankets can help reduce sore muscles, and can be a comfort for people with arthritis or fibromyalgia, according to the Electric Blanket Institute. If your electric blanket is suddenly cold when it should be warm, do not throw it out yet. A few troubleshooting steps may quickly resolve the problem.

Check the electrical cable between the controller and the blanket. The blanket is designed to be disconnected from this cable to be washed or stored. The connector on most blankets is near the foot of the bed. It may have been disconnected or loosened. Unplug it, and plug it back in firmly to make sure of the connection.

  • An electric blanket warms the bed before you crawl under the sheets on chilly winter nights, and helps keep you cosy even if you reduce your home's thermostat at night to save energy.
  • The blanket is designed to be disconnected from this cable to be washed or stored.

Check the connection between the controller and the wall outlet. Unplug it, and then plug it back in to make sure of the connection.

Check that the circuit breaker for the outlet the blanket is on has not tripped if the unit is completely plugged in and still has no power. You can also unplug the blanket and plug a lamp or some other device into the outlet in its place to check that the outlet is functioning normally.

  • Check the connection between the controller and the wall outlet.
  • You can also unplug the blanket and plug a lamp or some other device into the outlet in its place to check that the outlet is functioning normally.

Flip the controller to "Off" then back to the "On" position. If it's receiving electricity, the controller should be lighted when it's turned on.

Reset the automatic timer. Many electric blankets have an automatic timer that shuts the blanket off after 12 hours. To reset it, turn the controller "On," then "Off," then "On" again, and cycle through all the heat settings.

Turn the blanket to the highest setting. Wait at least 30 minutes, then check whether the blanket is warm.

Contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement if the blanket still does not heat. There are no at-home serviceable parts inside an electric blanket.

TIP

Electric blankets have electric wires running through them and must be treated with proper respect for the wires. Allow the blanket to cool before storing it. Fold it or roll it neatly, but avoid sharp bends. Never place heavy objects on top of electric blankets, as this may damage and bend the wires inside the blanket. Follow manufacturers' instructions regarding machine washing and drying of your electric blanket.

WARNING

Never use an electric blanket if you notice any protruding wires or frays along the cord.