Two women are inspecting a stone home using a thermal camera attachment connected to a smartphone. Large, orange text in the centre of the image reads 'Thermal Cameras'. Underneath, smaller, white text reads 'How Can They Help You Save On Energy Bills'.

Energy prices are swiftly rising, and now is a better time than any to look at ways to save costs. Discover why thermal cameras might be the key to saving money on your energy this year in our guide, including how to detect heat leakage in your home with the right tools.

With winter just around the corner, most households are considering the best ways to save on their energy bills. Reducing how long your heating is on is an effective way to save costs, but if the warmth isn't lasting as long as you expect, this could indicate a problem elsewhere. Thermal cameras are an effective way to identify the cause of the problem, allowing you to use your heating more efficiently by resolving issues up-front. Read on to learn how thermal cameras can help you save on your energy costs.

Why is it important to detect heat leakage?

If your home isn't retaining heat, your heating isn't going as far as you want it to. If your home is getting colder faster, you're more likely to reach for that thermostat and increase your heating usage. If you want to save on your energy bills instead of seeing them increase month on month, detecting the problem with where your heat is going is a valuable tool. Using technology to find leaks gives you the knowledge to resolve those critical problems thus increasing the energy efficiency of your home, reducing your energy consumption and leaving your home warm and cosy all winter long without overspending on your energy.

How can thermal cameras help you resolve heat retention problems?

Thermal cameras give you a clear view of the heat in any room. Whether you use a standalone hand-held thermal imager or a USB solution connected to a smartphone, thermal cameras allow you to see what isn't visible with your own eyes. Turning your heating on and leaving a thermal camera running gives you a clear idea of where heat remains in the room and the cooler areas where heat is likely to be escaping.

Knowing is half the battle with heat loss – once you've found the cause, it's far simpler to introduce a suitable solution and reduce your bills simultaneously.

What are the key causes of heat loss?

Heat loss in your home is common in properties of all shapes and sizes. Generally, the older your home is, the more likely you'll see severe heat loss once you switch your heating on. Some of the causes of heat loss you may spot on a thermal camera include:

• Gaps in and around closed interior doors

• Single-glazed windows or poor seals

• Lack of insulation on external doors

• Cracks, gaps or damage leading to your exterior

• Heat escaping through the loft hatch into the roof

• Heat leeching out through un-insulated walls

Thermal Camera For home and domestic use:
Flir One -Smartphone attachment camera
Flir C3 Pocket Thermal Imaging Camera

Other ways to reduce your energy bills

Discovering areas of inefficiency is an excellent starting point to reduce your energy costs alongside looking at the Department of Energy & Climate Change. Beyond that, services such as Switch Plan are the ideal option to help you find the most cost-effective supplier with a tariff that suits you.