Thermal Imaging Camera: Lending Scheme through all Somerset Libraries
Details of the Scheme:
We have several thermal imaging camera's available for use by our communities on a free lending-basis available through the local libraries in Somerset. Contact, your local library for details on how to loan them this winter.
Why use one? Carbon emissions and climate change implications:
Thermal images will show up where homes would benefit from improved insulation and draught proofing. The whiter areas in the images shows up the hottest areas. (Makes sure though that the day has/is cloudy and dull so that the camera isn't picking up heat radiated from solar gain during the day, or only photograph from the northern side of the building).
Homes account for 22% of the UK carbon emissions and there needs to be an urgent application of energy efficiency improvements if we are going to hit the carbon reduction targets necessary to stop run away climate breakdown. Our aim is that using the thermal imaging cameras will help stimulate action for homeowners to improve their energy efficiency and therefore reduce carbon emissions.
Reducing Heat Loss and Energy Consumption
Once you have identified areas of heat-loss within your property (the white and lighter yellow areas shown in the images), there are several ways that could help you reduce energy consumption and heat loss. These include:
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Improving the insulation of the property, especially roof and wall insulation;
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Reducing air leakage, for example around doors, windows, or letter-boxes; and
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Reducing energy consumption by using efficient heating methods such as air or ground source heat pumps.
Although the above options may require professional inputs, there are also some simple (and cheap) DIY options:
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use heat reflective aluminium foil behind the radiator to reduce heat loss;
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use thick curtains, with a thermal lining, to reduce heat loss through the windows;
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stop heat being lost up the chimney when not in use by using a chimney balloon or woollen chimney insulator ; but remember to remove them before starting any fires!
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watch out for mini-draughts, such as letterboxes or cat flaps - add an extra barrier in the form of a "brush";
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use draught excluders along the base of doors;
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cover bare floors, which account for as much as 10% of heat loss if they’re not insulated; and
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Insulate your house with DIY loft insulation and ensure the loft hatch is also insulated.
ENERGY SAVING HELP AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS IN SOMERSET
If you want to do more to make your home energy efficient there is help available.
See our Energy Saving Tips and Actions page.
The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) provide a free advisory service supporting residents (including landlords) across Somerset with reducing energy bills & keeping warm at home. To speak to one of CSE’s experienced advisors:
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Call 0800 082 2234 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm);
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Submit the form on their website: www.cse.org.uk/contact-us; or
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Email: home.energy@cse.org.uk
Thermal Imaging Camera: Lending Scheme Initial Trial
We initially trialled this scheme with our Area East communities last winter (Winter 2021/22) - for a list of the eligible Area East communities, please see below. The trial scheme was administered through the Bruton and Cary Retrofit Scheme.
We rolled the scheme out to all South Somerset communities in the winter of 2022 through the libraries lending scheme which includes the loans of an iPad if needed to use one of the iOS (iphone/ipad compatible) Thermal Imaging camera attachments.
If would like to book one of these thermal imaging cameras, please contact your local library
List of Eligible Parishes in the first trial:
Initially the trial was available to our Area East communities, which included:
Abbas & Templecombe, Ansford, Babcary, Barton St David, Bratton Seymour, Brewham, Bruton, Cary Moor, Castle Cary, Charlton Horethorne, The Charltons, Chilton Cantelo, Compton Pauncefoot, Corton Denham, Cucklington, Henstridge, Horsington, Ilchester, Keinton Mandeville, Kingsdon, Kingweston, Limington, Marston Magna, Milborne Port, Mudford, North Cadbury & Yarlington, North Vale, Penselwood, Pitcombe, Queen Camel, Rimpton, Shepton Montague, South Cadbury & Sutton Montis, Sparkford, Stoke Trister, West Camel, Wincanton, Yeovilton, Charlton Musgrove.
These location libraries* in South Somerset have launched the lending scheme', they will provide you with the thermal imaging camera unit, along with a how to use guidance which includes signposting support, which you can also download here. This includes links to CSE's free home energy advice service offering further guidance after you've used the camera.
*Available to loan upon request from libraries at: Bruton, Castle Cary, Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster, Langport, Martock, Milborne Port, Somerton, South Petherton, Wincanton and Yeovil Libraries.
Lendology low cost home improvement loans
Somerset residents (and landlords) can apply for low cost home improvement loans to help make them more energy efficient through Lendology in partnership with all of the Somerset councils. Click here to find out more.
