We all need to find ways to prevent wasted energy, even more so now that the energy companies are inflating prices this winter, so how can we save money on our energy bills with a heat loss survey?
Climate change is one of the most talked about subjects at the moment and with the amount of energy we waste every day, it’s hardly surprising.
It is becoming increasingly common knowledge that modern property developers are not doing enough to safeguard our future or our energy! More and more homeowners who have purchased a new build are complaining about the poor insulation values of their homes, and it’s becoming a common problem.
Some homeowners of new properties are reportedly stating that the current system in place which deals with the energy rating and ensures a new build property is energy efficient, is simply not working.
One of the most commonly searched phrases on the internet is, “How To Save Money On Your Energy Bills“. It’s a stark reality that many of us have to choose between putting the heating on or buying food. Aside from the fact we should never have to choose between heating and food, governments and property developers need to be doing more to insulate our homes.
Sub-standard materials and workmanship is becoming commonplace in new developments and it clearly shows. We have discovered some appalling results in newly built homes which claim to be energy efficient that have also undergone air pressure testing, either someone isn’t doing their job properly, or it’s not being done at all. This is something that the building regulators need to address.
In a recent test carried out, it was discovered that all of the properties on a new build housing estate failed their air pressure testing, clearly, this process isn’t being done correctly, or at all.
Thankfully, Heat Loss Survey is a cost-effective solution and can help you argue your case with the developer in order to correct the issue.
With a heat loss survey, a qualified, trained building surveyor will assess the entire property for cold air ingress and warm air escaping the building structure. This determines where the weak spots are in the property and can be carried out on both domestic and commercial buildings.
If a new build property has been constructed correctly and in accordance with Building Regulations there should be very little heat loss and minimal cold air ingress. However, as stated, this is not the case and is a common issue that appears to be getting worse.
A heat loss survey can save as much as 50% on your energy bills in many instances*. Once the surveyor has assessed the property and identified areas of weakness, which may include,
- Doors and door frames
- Windows and window frames
- Roof tiles
- Loft/attic insulation
- Cracks in the brickwork
- Failed cavity wall insulation
- Insufficient floor insulation
- Defective render or stonework
- Exposure to the weather
A basic level 1 heat loss survey will make recommendations to reduce the amount of heat and energy being lost from the property. It will also reduce the amount of cold air ingress. A heat loss survey uses the latest in thermal imaging technology. If you are concerned about poor insulation or workmanship within your new build property, the heat loss survey will identify these weak areas and in most cases can be presented to the developer in order for them to correct the flaws.
A heat loss survey by Alpine Surveys will produce a report detailing precisely why and where the weak spots are in the property. It could be due to the cold bridging not being installed, poor insulation or cheap materials. The report identifies these areas and provides you with credible and indisputable evidence that can be provided to the developer who is then obligated to put it right.
What equipment do we use?
THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS
One of the most useful items of equipment we use when carrying out heat loss surveys are thermal imaging cameras made by Flir, Flir is the leading manufacturer of thermal imaging devices, which are also supplied to the ministry of defence.
The cameras are specifically set up for the surveyor’s requirements and provide them with the ability to see what the human eye can’t, such as cold air ingress and heat loss.
A thermal imaging camera will detect cold spots as well as heat spots and allows the surveyor to be precise in finding areas of cold air ingress or heat being lost through defects in the structure. The images obtained at the time of the survey are included in the survey report, this provides the client with an understanding and visual representation of where the cold air is entering the property or where hot air is escaping.
With this data, the surveyor can accurately explain where the key areas of concern are and provide recommendations to rectify the issues. This will provide energy savings for the owner of the building.