HeatSeekers return to Reigate and Banstead
Surveyors will be contacting householders over the coming weeks to offer free surveys and offer advice on insulation grants.
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 HeatSeekers 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.
Lower bills
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.
Grant funding
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.
Thermal imaging
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.
Homes in Kingswood with Burgh Heath, Redhill West, Redhill East, Earlswood and Whitebushes and Horley Central, East and West wards are among the first to be 'imaged'. HeatSeekers vehicles will scan further areas in the borough in the winter months later this year.
Free survey
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 HeatSeekers directly to if they are interested in finding out what warmth measures are available to them.
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.
Last updated : 23/06/2010
