The UK consumer champion has shed light on a simple tool that could help you identify why your house is always losing heat
Millions of Brits are grappling with rocketing energy bills this winter, as Ofgem’s price cap jumped up by roughly 10% in October. But money experts suggest there is one surprising thing you can do to lessen this blow – and it may cost as little as £15.
You may be surprised to hear that such a solution involves placing a camera in different parts of the home. But not just any type of camera – one that monitors temperature variations, according to consumer champion, Which?.
Senior Which? researcher Karen Lawrence explained: “Thermal imaging can help you spot thermal defects – the places where heat leaks out of your property. It’s especially helpful for pinpointing heat leaks that are hard to find in any other way, such as draughts through gaps and cracks that are hidden from view; patchy or missing insulation inside lofts and cavity walls; and missing or broken seals around doors, windows, loft hatches or other openings.”
A thermal camera isn’t an X-ray and cannot see through walls, but functions by assessing surface temperatures. Using this, viewers can identify the warmest and coldest spots of the house, usually both appearing as red or blue respectively.
This might also help you identify the points at which heat is escaping from the property, with windows, doors and skirtings common areas for these losses. Fixing these problems may help your house stay warmer for longer, reducing the need to crank up heating further.
Karen continued: “If you have solid or cavity wall insulation, there should be much less heat loss. Patches or hot spots in the image could indicate possible gaps, poor installation or failure of the insulation, which should be investigated and rectified.” If you’re keen to experiment with a thermal camera, the cheapest option is to borrow one.
Which? outlined that various local councils boast their own camera loan schemes, while the London-based Library of Things also offers these for as little as £15 per day. Octopus Energy customers can make use of these cameras too, though its programme is currently closed for the winter.
If you’re not confined by a strict budget, you can opt for a professional thermal survey, costing approximately £300 for smaller properties and £750 for larger ones. Which? encourages Brits to use its Home Energy Planning Service to work out what options are best for them.
Karen added: “Draughtproofing is the cheapest and easiest DIY fix and can typically save around £35-£50 a year on energy bills. But it’s not just about savings; draughts make you feel chilly, so eliminating them will make your home feel more comfortable at a lower temperature (and you won’t need to pile on the blankets).”
