Working towards a sustainable communityThe Barrow Greener Living (BGL) group has acquired, thanks to funding from the Parish Council, a thermal camera. This is a useful bit of kit because it shows exactly where cold air enters and money leaks out of your home. You don’t exactly see money flying out! Don’t forget energy prices are likely to go back up this autumn.
Information about the survey
Barrow Greener Living Group is able to offer heat loss surveys for local homes. All you have to do is join the organisation.
Join BGL: If you live in Barrow or in a surrounding village (Seagrave, Walton, Prestwold) become a member for only £5.00. It has been reported that the French Government charges 200 Euros for a similar service but amazingly, you only need to be a member of BGL to qualify. If many people want the Heat Loss Survey, we will start a waiting list with a first come, first served policy.
Preparation: Members are informed about the survey and asked for permission to capture internal thermal images of their properties. The survey team schedules visits to homes in the community bearing in mind that ideally there needs to be a 10-degree temperature difference between outside and inside. Thus, surveys can only realistically be done in the autumn and winter.
The Survey: During the hour-long survey, two members of the team visit – one to use the thermal camera and the other to take notes. We only go into rooms that you want us to go into and if appropriate, and with permission, a picture is taken. This might be of the walls, windows, doors, letter boxes, fireplaces, loft ceilings and or loft hatch. The camera detects temperature differences, highlighting areas where heat is escaping, or cold spots are present. Of course, you need to appreciate that we are not expert surveyors but we will provide a good indication where you are losing energy and where you might save money.
Report: Each survey is backed up with an electronic Heat Loss Report with pictures! This helps homeowners to remember and appreciate where energy efficiency improvements can be made. You will also receive an electronic document, “Save Energy – Save Money” that contains at least 150 tips to save energy and a document that discusses air quality including humidity and damp.
Recommendations: Based on the survey, the team provides simple and cost-effective personalised recommendations. This may include adding insulation, sealing gaps around doors and windows, placing foil behind radiators, improvements to the loft hatch, improving the effectiveness of curtains, filling in holes around pipes that go through external walls. In a few cases, upgrading old heating systems. On average our pilot study (12 homes) found six energy saving issues for each household. Sadly, we cannot do the work for you but once the issues are resolved this bargain will just keep on giving.
Community Awareness: At the end of the season, anonymously and aggregated, the survey results will be shared with our community to raise awareness about energy conservation and to encourage greener living practices. Remember, addressing these areas can improve comfort, reduce energy bills, and contribute to a greener home!
Barrow Greener Living –
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 9th October, 2024 at 7.30pm in
the Bishop Beveridge Club
All are welcome – come along and see what
this village group does.
If you’re interested in participating or learning more: reach out to Barrow Greener Living! make the link
https://membership.barrowgreenerliving.co.uk/
Or if you want to discuss 07572 188616