Thermal imaging kits available to Kelowna residents to help with insulation

Kelowna City Council is offering residents and builders a loan of thermal imaging cameras to help reduce energy use in their homes.

The technology can help people identify areas of their property that require better insulation.

It comes after a spike in energy use was recorded during the recent cold snap (on Jan. 14, use was 75% higher than a typical January day).

“We are happy to partner with the Okanagan Regional Library and FortisBC to help residents see the areas of heat loss in their homes so they can make upgrades, reduce their energy use and heating bills, and make their home more comfortable,” said Chris Ray, the City’s community energy specialist.

“Improving the energy efficiency of homes is also one of the ways to meet Kelowna’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.”

Residents can borrow the equipment from the Okanagan Regional Library – providing they have library cards – as part of the See the Heat Program.

Along with thermal imaging technology (which can connect to a smartphone), residents will also be offered a free draft-proofing kit.

In addition, there will be discounts on other items available from a range of hardware stores.

Click here and search “Home Energy Kit” to reserve a camera from the Mission, Downtown or Rutland Branch.

The cameras can be borrowed by library card holders for up to seven days.

For building professionals looking to find cost effective ways to meet the Energy Step Code, the City of Kelowna, Okanagan College, and UBCO are hosting a workshop at the Okanagan Innovation Centre on February 18.

To learn more about the See the Heat program and ways to improve you’re home’s energy efficiency, visit kelowna.ca/energy.