As winter approaches, many of us start closing curtains early, turning on the heat, and anticipating seasonal treats. However, this time of year can also bring concerns about energy costs and the difficulty of maintaining a warm, comfortable home. With heating costs soaring in recent years, many are forced to choose between comfort and affordability, impacting health and wellbeing.
Now is an ideal time to take control of home efficiency, reducing heat loss, waste, and costs while also cutting down on energy demand and carbon emissions. Here are some actions to help you winter-proof your home:
- Identify Heat Leaks with Thermal Imaging: Borrow a free thermal imaging camera from Cambridge Carbon Footprint to locate heat loss points in your home, homeowners, renters and landlords alike. With simple training through a 90-minute online session, you can use these cameras, available at 17 locations across Cambridge, South Cambs, and now Huntingdonshire. They reveal problem areas such as missing insulation, drafts, or poorly functioning heating systems. Once identified, you can invest in effective fixes. Learn more and book at https://cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/what-we-do/thermal-imaging/. “A really useful tool for assessing the home’s heat loss and for planning improvements.” – Camera borrower, 2022
- Improve Loft Insulation: Up to a quarter of heat can be lost through poorly insulated roofs. Installing loft insulation is effective for over 40 years, paying for itself many times over. The Action on Energy website provides advice, support, and information on funding insulation improvements. Don’t overlook your loft hatch, which can leak heat into the roof space (https://www.actiononenergycambs.org/).
- Seal Drafts: Fixing drafts around windows and doors is an affordable way to keep heat in. Simple solutions like sealing strips, thermal curtains, and radiator reflectors can significantly improve home warmth. For further guidance, visit https://cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/actions/eliminate_draughts/.
- Support Others: Many borrowers of Cambridge Carbon Footprint’s thermal imaging cameras have used them to assess the homes of family or neighbours, especially those who may struggle with heating costs. Such community efforts can help raise awareness and promote action, even impacting your own comfort if you live in connected housing. Cambridge Carbon Footprint is proud to support individuals and communities who are keen to undertake multiple surveys in their area, such as Warboys Parish Council and Sustainable Cottenham who have organised volunteers to carry out surveys for interested residents. “Eye-opening and educational for both me and the homeowner.” – Volunteer community surveyor, 2023
If you’re interested in learning more or borrowing a thermal imaging camera, visit https://cambridgecarbonfootprint.org/what-we-do/thermal-imaging/.
