Councils loan thermal imaging cameras to cut bills
BBCVillagers on Dartmoor are being offered the chance to borrow thermal imaging cameras this winter to help beat the cold.
The cameras help residents work out where homes are losing heat and letting in the cold.
The initiative, run by councils in South Hams and West Devon, aims to tackle fuel poverty, improve well-being and reduce carbon emissions.
Holne parish councillor Lucia Grun said "people are genuinely worried" about the cost of living and the climate emergency.
Communities across West Devon are working with Tamar Energy Community, a not-for-profit community-owned social enterprise, following the success of last year's pilot scheme.
Meetings are also being held across the South Hams where residents can work with South Dartmoor Community Energy, another not-for-profit group.
Speaking at a meeting at Holne village hall, where the thermal imaging camera was being demonstrated, Ms Grun said: "The idea of finding something people can do in this type of environment is really important."
Mark Skinner, home energy advisor with South Dartmoor Community Energy, showed local residents how to point the camera at doors and windows to see which areas were hot and cold.
The camera on the device shows the image in colours, denoting cold spots in blue and warmer areas in yellow.
Mr Skinner said: "Simple insulation measures or draught proofing can be really useful and sometimes it's a case of looking at the simple wins."
He said letter box covers and excluders on the bottom of doors "can make a massive difference".
Resident Orion Spalton and his partner Maeve Leith borrowed a camera to use in their home in Holne.
Mr Spalton said he found several cold spots where "the heat is escaping or the cold is coming in".
He said the information from the camera would help him make improvements at the property.
The couple added the scheme, which allows you to borrow a camera, "is just great".
Councillor John McKay, lead member for climate change with South Hams District Council, said: "There are an awful lot of people in the area who suffer from fuel poverty and this sort of project really will help them get through the winter."
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