Using thermal imaging technology Heat seeking vehicles hit the streets of Reigate & Banstead last winter to identify homes that could benefit from improved insulation. Now HeetSeekers are back to offer free surveys and talk to residents about the potential grant funding offers that could help them better insulate their homes, reducing their energy bills and carbon footprint.
The scheme, developed by the Energy Saving Partnership, is operating in the borough with the agreement of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council to help householders in the save energy and money.
After carefully reviewing the images of 4,590 properties taken over the winter months, HeatSeekers’ experts have identified 1,558 homes that may be lacking cavity wall or loft insulation. Over the next few weeks its surveyors will be knocking on the doors of these houses, showing residents the thermal image of their property and talking to them about the insulation measures which are available to them. They will also be revealing just how much money they could save on heating bills by insulating their home – up to £265* each year.
Cllr Julian Ellacott, Executive Member for Environment, said:
“The Council is keen to ensure that residents are aware of the grant funding that is available to all homeowners to reduce significantly the cost of home insulation improvements. This scheme will play an important role in the Council’s long-term plans to help residents make their homes more energy efficient, cutting their energy bills and tackling climate change.
“The HeatSeekers thermal imaging vehicles have created quite a buzz in the sector and we were pleased to get them in action in this Borough. The technology has already helped householders to make targeted energy efficiency improvements in thousands of homes across the country and we are glad that it will now be bringing offers to our own residents.”
Keith Hewitson, Director of the Energy Saving Partnership, said:
“The thermal imaging technology used by HeatSeekers continues to help many thousands of homeowners throughout the UK save hundreds of pounds on their heating bills. And, thanks to the many grants and funding streams available to help with the cost of installation, homeowners can see a return on their investment in a very short space of time.”
Letters will be sent to householders in the next few days to let them know about the surveyors’ visits.
The HeatSeeker vehicles operate at night, during the colder winter months when heating is likely to be switched on in people’s homes. The technology used is only capable of detecting heat – it cannot see through windows or walls and the image produced displays a palette of colours according to temperature.
In order to carry out the insulation measures identified through HeatSeekers, the project has teamed up with Mark Group, the UK’s largest insulation and energy efficiency installation company.
Homeowners who would like a free insulation survey on their property can call HeatSeekers on 0845 390 9390 (local rate call). No approaches will be made to homes in ‘no cold calling zones’, so residents in these areas should contact HeetSeekers directly to if they are interested in finding out what warmth measures are available to them.
Notes:
* Homes in Kingswood with Burgh Heath, Redhill West, Redhill East, Earlswood and Whitebushes and Horley Central, East and West wards were the first to be ‘imaged’. Further areas in the borough will be imaged in the winter months later this year.
* All images and associated information will remain confidential. Householders may request removal of their property data and opt out of surveys. All staff approaching households will have safeguarding clearance. The Council is not endorsing ESP’s quality as a supplier.
* The Climate Change Act 2008 created legally binding national targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 26% from 1990 levels by 2020. This is translated into county and district commitments within Surrey’s Local Area Agreement 2008-2011.
* Reigate & Banstead Borough Council adopted a Sustainable Energy Strategy in July 2009 which contains ambitious energy efficiency targets for itself as an organisation and for the Borough as a whole.
* The Council has adopted a Carbon Management Plan in March 2010, which sets out its plans and commitments for reducing carbon emissions over the period to 2014.
Energy Saving Partnership:
* Energy Saving Partnership (ESP) is a project management company specialising in energy efficiency projects in both the private and social housing sectors
* The company has been trading for over 10 years and during that time has developed a good reputation, including in its standards of customer care and quality assurance
* ESP have managed numerous projects throughout the UK for many local authorities and have also managed insulation schemes on behalf of LABC Services and FENSA
* ESP with E.on was instrumental in the conception of the unique HeatStreets private homes insulation scheme. From the outset, ESP has run the programme and has managed the installation of measures to many thousands of properties throughout the UK in partnership with Local Authorities.
About Mark Group
* Grants from Government Agencies are available to many home owners and Mark Group’s dedicated team of surveyors and installers provide expert advice, service and customer care in helping homeowners access such funds.
* Mark Group is a nationwide company which began insulating homes back in 1974. Today the Group helps over 6,000 homes become more energy efficient every week from 14 nationwide office locations.
* Mark Group’s services are tailored for individual homeowners. Products offered include Cavity Wall Insulation, Loft Insulation, Solid Wall Insulation, Heat Pumps, Solar Electricity and Solar Hot Water.
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