03 September 2010Energy conscious residents can see for themselves where heat is being lost in their homes as part of a free service available to most people in the Sevenoaks District.
It is well known that many homes lose much of their heat, creating high energy use and high bills. In fact energy lost through the home is the single largest contributor to global warming in the UK.
To help tackle the problem, Sevenoaks District Council has teamed up with 'HeatSeekers' which, through the use of state-of-the-art thermal imaging technology, can show homeowners exactly where energy is being lost in their property.
The Heatseekers vehicle, fitted with thermal imaging equipment, will be scanning homes in the District from 21 December to end of March to identify properties with the greatest energy loss so they can be targeted for home insulation.
The vehicle will travel along the District's streets at approximately 10 miles an hour and will be clearly identifiable with its flashing lights and surveying sign across the back. The driver will not need to knock on any doors, but will have photo identification if challenged.
It can scan up to 1,000 properties in an hour and will carry out the surveys between 8pm and midnight as it needs to be dark and the homes need to have their heating on.
Once a survey has taken place, the occupiers of properties with the greatest heat loss will be contacted by a HeatSeekers representative, who will carry HeatSeekers identification and a letter from the Council, to offer advice on how to tackle the problem.
Interested householders can then ask for a free comprehensive survey to be carried out including home insulation quotes. Installation can be arranged at a convenient time, with appropriate guarantees issued.
Cllr Carol Clark, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for energy conservation, says: "Heat lost unnecessarily via lofts, walls, doors and windows, costs owner occupiers potentially hundreds of pounds every year. Yet in many instances they may not be aware that their home is losing energy, or that something can be done about it. HeatSeekers can help identify those properties with the greatest heat loss and offer guidance about discounted or free home insulation to tackle the problem."
