UPDATE: A revolutionary thermal camera tool, costing just £15, has emerged as a promising solution for UK households grappling with skyrocketing energy bills this winter. Following Ofgem’s recent 2% price cap increase, experts at Which? are urging homeowners to leverage this technology to identify heat loss in their properties.
Millions of Brits are facing increased energy costs, making energy efficiency more critical than ever. The thermal camera tool allows users to pinpoint where warmth is escaping, especially through common culprits like doorways and windows. According to Karen Lawrence, senior researcher at Which?, “Thermal imaging can help you spot thermal defects – the places where heat leaks out of your property.”
This affordable device tracks temperature fluctuations, revealing the warmest and coldest areas of a home. Users can observe these temperature variations through color-coded visuals, with red indicating warmth and blue indicating cold spots. By identifying these leaks, homeowners can take steps to enhance insulation and reduce heating needs.
“If you have solid or cavity wall insulation, there should be much less heat loss,” Lawrence added. “Patches or hot spots in the image could indicate possible gaps or poor installation.” These insights are invaluable for homeowners looking to cut costs amid rising expenses.
For those eager to try out this technology, there are several options. Local councils across the UK offer camera loan schemes, and the Library of Things in London rents them for as low as £15 per day. Although currently paused, Octopus Energy previously distributed thermal cameras to nearly 5,000 customers, emphasizing that understanding heat loss is vital, especially during this challenging winter season.
“Right now, saving gas is more important than ever, with millions of UK households left struggling to pay record high energy bills,” said a spokesperson from Octopus Energy. The company plans to prioritize camera loans for those in need when the program resumes in the new year.
For homeowners with a flexible budget, professional thermal assessments are available, costing between £300 and £750, depending on property size. These assessments provide a comprehensive overview of energy loss and ways to address it.
Which? also recommends its Home Energy Planning Service to help homeowners determine the best energy-saving strategies tailored to their needs.
This winter, as the pressure mounts from rising energy costs, utilizing innovative solutions like thermal cameras could mean the difference between comfort and financial strain. For more money-saving tips and consumer news, visit the Everything Money website.
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