Inside Salisbury: Check your house for heat loss

Inside Salisbury: Thermal imaging cameras available for Salisbury residents

by Annette J Beveridge

AS the colder months draw near, many people will be concerned about the cost of their energy bills but one thing to consider is how much heat is being lost from your home.

It makes sense to find out where heat is escaping from as a cold home can worsen some health conditions.

Thermal imaging cameras can now be borrowed free of charge from Salisbury Library and using this infrared technology will reveal gaps around windows, doors, and letterboxes. You will also be able to detect any gaps by plumbing fixtures that are connected to the exterior of the house.

By understanding where the problems are, it is easier to remedy these colder areas saving on winter fuel bills.

Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling, said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to make thermal imaging technology available to residents so they can easily see what improvements could be made to their home to make it more energy efficient.

“With energy prices going up there may be small things residents can do to reduce their bills for winter and keep their homes warm to prevent health conditions, such as covering gaps around doors or windows, or get an insight into whether they need substantial upgrades such as insulation for their homes.

There are 11 cameras in total and residents can reserve a camera with the library and borrow it for one week. Cameras connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and used with the FLIR ONE app.

Cllr Blair-Pilling added: “Even if you live in a modern or energy efficient home, I would encourage you to borrow a camera free of charge to see where your home might be losing heat from and what simple steps you could take to save money on your energy bills.”

For more information, go to: Wiltshire.gov.uk