The thermal imaging camera detects the heat emitted and shows it in a colour-coded way – the colder areas are shown in blue and the warmer ones in red. This can indicate draughts, missing or defective insulation, water ingress, damp, and cold bridges.
We’re preparing for our next season of free thermal imaging visits across Cumbria. The areas we’ll be covering this winter will be announced soon, and bookings will open shortly.
Please check back for updates on where and when visits will be available.
Our Home Energy Advisers and trained volunteers offer free basic thermal imaging visits in selected areas of Cumbria, subject to availability and funding.
For winter 2026/27, we can offer visits in the following areas:
Demand for thermal imaging visits is usually high and often exceeds the capacity and funding available.
We’ll do our best to accommodate your request, but cannot guarantee a visit. If we’re unable to offer a thermal imaging visit in your area, we may be able to suggest an alternative service to help with your home energy needs.
Thermal images of your home can give you the insights you need to begin making your property warmer, healthier, cheaper to heat, and lower your carbon footprint.
Our free and subsidised services, along with government grants, can support you on that journey.
Our thanks go to the volunteers at Sustainable Arnside, Crosthwaite and Lyth Eco Action Network, Brampton to Zero, Penrith Action for Community Transition, Sustainable Keswick and St Bees Green Future.
Our advisers and volunteers have all had basic thermal imaging training, hold a DBS certificate, and adhere to our code of conduct for being in other people’s homes.
We have provided most of the cameras being used, which are high-spec infrared thermal imaging cameras that give accurate readings.
The window for conducting thermal imaging is from late October, when it turns colder, through to the end of March, before the weather warms up.
Outside of this window, no bookings or visits can be made.
1. Our thermal imaging team will call or email you to arrange a suitable date and time.
The visit is usually scheduled for early morning, late afternoon or early evening and takes about an hour. The images are captured inside your home.
Our team will let you know if there is anything you need to do before the visit, for example turning your heating on in advance – for optimum results, it needs to be warmer inside than outside. They will also need to be aware of any vulnerable residents or lively pets!
2. The thermal imaging team will share the images with you along with a What Next guide.
The images and guide will be emailed to you shortly after the visit.
This guide provides some basic information on draughtproofing and insulation – a combination of simple quick fixes and guidance on when to seek professional advice, along with support and services available from us here at Futureproof Cumbria.
3. Call us on 01768 216 500 to arrange a free advice call from one of our Advisers.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions about your thermal imaging visit and chat about any further support that we can provide.
These are examples of actions that were specific to households, and professional advice should be sought before embarking on significant interventions.
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