Challenger energy supplier is loaning customers thermal imaging equipment to help uncover causes of energy inefficiency
Octopus Energy customers are now able to borrow equipment to help them uncover the draughtiest spots in their house, under a new energy efficiency campaign unveiled yesterday by the energy supplier.
Octopus customers with higher than average energy bills can access a thermal imaging camera for free for five days, so they can find the cold spots in their homes to target with extra insulation or other efficiency measures.
The company said it was contacting thousands of customers with high energy bills to offer them the use of the camera, with CEO Greg Jackson saying he hoped the scheme would spark conversations about saving energy.
"People are understandably immune to bland generic messages about energy efficiency, but by finding the people with unexpectedly high bills, and offering them truly useful advice based on their own home, we hope we can really help people stay warm for less," he said.
The camera - made by FLIR Systems - plugs directly into a smartphone, with customers using the accompanying app to view their home through a thermal lens.
Cold spots, such as around windows and doors, can be tackled cheaply by blocking draughts, sealing doors and windows, and installing thick curtains, Octopus said.
It pointed out that often these measures are cheaper and quicker than common energy efficiency advice to replace a boiler or switch to greener appliances.
"Octopus has invested in the cameras in order to help their customers make straightforward and low-cost fixes to stop heat escaping from weak areas around the home," the firm said in a statement. "It is also aimed at increasing understanding of heat flows in the home."