City to loan thermal imaging cameras so you can see heat loss

Photo: City of Kelowna

The City of Kelowna is reminding residents of the value of draft-proofing following a spike in energy use during the recent cold snap – and it's offering a new support service to help.

Through the new 'See the Heat' program, Kelowna residents will be able to borrow a thermal imaging camera that shows exactly where heat loss is happening in their home. 

The cameras will be offered through Okanagan Regional Library, along with a free draft-proofing kit containing electrical switch and outlet draft insulators, window insulation and weather stripping for doors or windows. 

City of Kelowna community energy specialist Chris Ray says he anticipates the partnership with the library and FortisBC will be successful.

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

The cameras can be borrowed for up to seven days by Kelowna residents with an Okanagan Regional Library card in good standing.

Residents can also access instant discounts from FortisBC on items like door sweeps, foam tape and caulking at Canadian Tire, Home Hardware and Home Depot from now till March 13. 

“This program is a fantastic way to empower Okanagan residents to understand how their home uses energy, find ways to make it more efficient and save money in the long run," said Okanagan Regional Library director of marketing and communications Michal Utko.

Natural gas use increased by 50 per cent across B.C. on Jan. 14, the coldest day during the cold snap, and was 75 per cent higher than a typical January day.

Building professionals looking to find cost-effective ways to meet the Energy Step Code can attend a workshop at the Okanagan Innovation Centre on Feb. 18, hosted by the City of Kelowna, Okanagan College and UBCO.

To reserve a camera from the Mission, Downtown or Rutland branches of the Okanagan Regional Library, visit http://www.orl.bc.ca/ and search 'Home Energy Kit.'