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, St Bees Green Future and Cartmel Fell Volunteers.
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. Arrange your visit
Our thermal imaging team will call or email you to arrange a suitable date and time, usually scheduled for early morning, late afternoon or early evening.
For the best results, your home needs to be warmer inside than outside.
2. We visit your home
A trained member of our team will visit your home to take thermal images of the inside of your property. The visit usually takes about an hour. We’ll also need to know about any vulnerable residents or lively pets before we arrive.
3. Receive your thermal images
Shortly after your visit, we’ll email you the thermal images along with our What Next? guide. This explains some of the things you can do to tackle heat loss, and highlights further support and services available from us.
4. Talk through what comes next
Chat to one of our advisers. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about your visit and discuss any further support. Our services include energy modelling and tailored retrofit plans, airtightness testing, cavity wall inspections, support for installing renewables
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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