According to the Office for National Statistics, 66% of adults reported an increase in living costs in January 2022. Of those who reported a rise, 79% cited higher gas and electricity bills as a leading cause. With energy costs rising sharply as a result of the 12% increase in the OFGEM energy price cap in October 2021, it’s no surprise that many households are becoming increasingly interested in making energy cost savings. In addition to these homeowner concerns, environmental considerations are also present amongst much of the population when looking at their energy efficiency, with 22% of UK carbon emissions driven by maintaining a habitable home.

While many of the more traditional approaches to improving energy efficiency remain effective, some are choosing to utilise thermal imaging technology to gain a better understanding of their home's propensity to lose heat.

Thermal imaging cameras, such as the FLIR E5XT and FLIR C5, allow for users to inspect their home by highlighting hotspots and coldspots around the property. A hotspot indicates areas where heat is being retained, typically highlighted by brighter orange and red areas within a thermal image, while cooler coldspots are often outlined by darker blue, black and purple areas, suggesting heat may be escaping from these places.

Performing a thermographic inspection of the home allows occupants to take informed steps towards improving their energy efficiency by addressing the presence of coldspots. These areas may be improved by the considering additional insulation solutions, often as simple installing curtains or a draft excluder around windows and doors, or more invasive insulation options, such as those installed within roofs, walls or crawl spaces. Cat flaps and letter boxes may be improved by adding a brush to the entrance to ensure a tight seal, reducing heat loss. In many homes, bare floors can account for as much as 10% of heat loss, meaning that adding a rug can make a significant improvement. Some owners may choose to go further through the installation of air or ground source heat pumps.

Small changes can make a big improvement within the home, producing great savings when implemented over the long-term. A further OFGEM price cap increase which is due to come in to effect from April 2022 indicates that now may be the perfect time to consider new approaches to energy cost reduction.

Thermal imaging solutions have become increasingly low-cost over the last decade, with affordable mobile (iOS & Android) compatible devices such as the Flir One, now widely available. You can browse our full range of thermal cameras for purchase or hire, or feel free to contact us should you need any support.

  • https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/articles/energypricesandtheireffectonhouseholds/2022-02-01
  • https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-60023918
  • https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-to-cut-your-energy-bills-at-home-using-geothermal-imaging-cameras-rmzgpn2rp