Finding and Fixing Heat Loss: Your Guide to a Warmer, Cozier Home
Are your energy bills rising? Do you still feel cold at home despite keeping the heating on? Heat loss might be the hidden culprit! A professional heat loss survey can help identify where warmth escapes and how to fix it. Let’s explore how this simple step can transform your home while saving you money.
What Is a Heat Loss Survey?
A heat loss survey is an in-depth inspection of your home using thermal imaging cameras (also known as heat loss cameras) to detect energy inefficiencies. These advanced devices highlight hot and cold spots, revealing where insulation or sealing improvements are needed.
During the survey, we assess:
Walls, windows, and doors
Roof and floors
Gaps around pipes and cables
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed thermographic report outlining key problem areas and recommended solutions.
Why Heat Loss Matters to You
Heat loss significantly impacts your energy bills and comfort. Heating accounts for over half of your energy costs, and wasted heat means wasted money! Addressing these issues can cut heating expenses by 15-35%, making your home warmer and more energy-efficient.
How Your Home Loses Heat
Your property loses warmth through four main processes:
Conduction – Heat escapes through solid materials, like poorly insulated walls and roofs.
Convection – Warm air rises and leaks through gaps, causing uncomfortable drafts.
Radiation – Heat energy moves toward colder surfaces, especially through single-glazed windows.
Evaporation – Moisture in your home evaporates, carrying heat away and making it feel colder.
By understanding these processes, you can take targeted actions like installing insulation, sealing gaps, and upgrading windows to reduce heat loss.
What Happens During a Heat Loss Survey?
Our process is straightforward and highly effective:
Initial Consultation – We discuss any cold spots or drafts you’ve noticed.
Thermal Imaging Scan – Our FlirONE thermal cameras capture heat patterns, highlighting inefficiencies.
Comprehensive Report – You receive a breakdown of findings with tailored recommendations for improvement.
Some surveys also include an air pressure test to detect hidden leaks, ensuring a complete assessment of your home’s efficiency.
Cost of a Heat Loss Survey
The price depends on the size of your home and the level of detail required:
Basic thermal imaging survey: £150-£350
Comprehensive survey with detailed reporting: £300-£600
While this may seem like an investment, most homeowners recover the cost within 1-2 winters through reduced energy bills.
https://newhomesinspectionsuk.com/heat-loss-calculator-uk/
DIY Ways to Detect Heat Loss
While professional assessments are most accurate, you can try these DIY methods:
Hand Test – Feel around windows, doors, and electrical outlets for cold air.
Candle Test – Hold a lit candle near potential draft sources and watch for flickering.
Visual Check – Look for gaps, cracked sealants, or worn-out weather stripping.
Online Heat Loss Calculators – Estimate your home’s efficiency using free online tools.
Fixing Heat Loss: Solutions for a Warmer Home
Insulation Upgrades – Improve loft, cavity wall, and floor insulation to cut heat loss by up to 35%.
Draught Proofing – Sealing gaps around windows and doors can reduce energy waste by 20%.
Window Improvements – Upgrade to double glazing or install thermal curtains to retain heat.
Address Thermal Bridges – Insulate structural weak points where heat easily escapes.
Heat Loss Surveys for Heat Pumps
Planning to install a heat pump? A heat loss survey ensures your home is properly insulated and determines the right system size for maximum efficiency. Many heat pump installers require a thermographic survey before installation.
Finding a Qualified Surveyor Near You
When searching for a thermal imaging survey, ensure the surveyor has:
Certified thermography experience (Level 2 or higher)
Membership in professional associations
Knowledge of insulation and energy efficiency
Success Stories
Nottingham Victorian Home: A £350 heat loss survey identified major air leaks.
After spending £4,200 on insulation and sealing, the owners cut heating bills by 31%, saving £520 annually.
1970s Semi-Detached: Thermal imaging revealed degraded cavity insulation. A £1,200 upgrade reduced energy waste by 24%, paying for itself in just over two years.
Helpful links
Energy Saving Trust: Offers comprehensive advice on improving home energy efficiency, including insulation and heating solutions.
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-homeASHRAE Handbook: A leading resource on heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration, providing in-depth technical information.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASHRAE_HandbookMCS Certified – Domestic Heat Pumps Guide: Provides best practice guidelines for installing and maintaining domestic heat pump systems.
https://mcscertified.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Heat-Pump-Guide.pdfYourHome – Passive Heating: Discusses strategies for utilizing passive heating to reduce energy consumption and enhance home comfort.
https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/passive-heatingReady.gov – Extreme Heat: Offers guidance on preparing for and mitigating the effects of extreme heat conditions.
https://www.ready.gov/heat
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