Camera scheme launched to help residents save on energy bills

Thermal imaging cameras (like the one pictured) can now be loaned Photo credit: Pixabay

Residents can now borrow a special camera to help them identify heat loss in their homes and possibly reduce their energy bills.

Thermal imaging cameras, which find areas of heat loss, can be loaned for up to three weeks from any Cardiff hub or library.

The camera can spot cold spots, draughts, and areas with poor insulation.

Customers can use a library card to borrow the monitor just like taking out books and other resources.

A council spokesperson said: “Residents might never consider buying a thermal imaging camera themselves but with so many households facing rising energy costs, by offering free access to the devices, complete with a straightforward how‑to booklet, we’re providing a practical way to find and fix heat loss in their homes.

“Our hubs and libraries are vital community spaces delivering fantastic services. This initiative is yet another string to the service’s bow - helping people to save money, stay warm, and reduce their carbon footprint.

“These cameras help give people the information needed to inform simple, cost-effective changes to their homes - like adding insulation film to windows or installing draught-proofing strips – small green choices, that multiplied across the city, can quickly add up to much bigger changes in Cardiff’s carbon footprint.”

The scheme, which is funded as part of Cardiff Council’s One Planet Cardiff strategy, aims to support residents during the ongoing cost‑of‑living crisis and help them contribute towards the Council’s carbon neutral ambitions.

This comes after Cardiff hubs and libraries started offering blood pressure monitors on loan last year.