Red alert! See how hot air is escaping from homes in Shropshire
It is a sea of red – and that is bad news for people currently putting their heating on constant. A series of thermal imaging maps provide an idea of the money we are burning by having homes that leak heat.
And they are being used as ammunition by Shropshire Council as they go on a tour of the county to encourage people to plug those gaps through insulation or secondary glazing.
Commissioned by Shropshire Council and led by Marches Energy Agency, experts were sent across the county with specialist thermal imaging cameras.
The red areas show heat that is mostly escaping through the roofs of properties that have poor insulation.
And the experts are able to pinpoint individual buildings where heating bills could be reduced by hundreds of pounds each year.
The areas covered include Bishop's Castle, Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Little Stretton, Market Drayton, Oswestry, Shrewsbury, including Bayston Hill, and Wem.
Phil Newcombe, who is leading on the project for MEA said: "The aerial heat loss map is a great start point for thinking about how much energy you are using - you can even see how your house compares to others down your street.
"Using a specialist aircraft fitted with a thermal imaging camera the flights took place over the course of several evenings during November 2014, December 2014 and January 2015 when it was cold with low wind speeds. This gave us the best chance of taking measurements when properties were occupied and having the heating on, allowing us to measure the amount of heat 'leaking' out of the roofs."
Experts say that simple steps can save up to £400 on an annual heating bill.
New homes typically feature smart techniques such as airtight doors, insulated roofs and the latest double glazing. But similar techniques can also be adopted on an older home.
Energy saving tips within the home can include programming heating with thermostats for each room and loft insulation. But even simple steps like better curtains and moving furniture away from radiators can make a difference.
Mal Price, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for planning and housing, said:"The map allows residents living in these areas to see how much heat is being lost through their roofs. This data can help to find ways to increase home energy efficiency and so save money on fuel bills."
Shropshire Council has appointed Marches Energy Agency (MEA) to get out and about around the county during March and April to promote the map and to give advice about energy efficiency, home improvements and reducing energy costs.
MEA will be running a roadshow of events where people can view the map and talk about their energy concerns. Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to take away a free home energy monitor.
In addition MEA will be doing some targeted door knocking and leafletting to let people know about what support may be available for more vulnerable energy customers.
The events, which all run from 10am-2 pm are scheduled as follows: March 10, Church Stretton, outside the Co-op; March 17, Shrewsbury, The Square; March 23, Market Drayton, Street Market; March 24, Bishop's Castle, Town Hall Market; April 14, Wem Indoor Market, Town Hall; April 16, Oswestry, Bailey Head Street Market; April 23, Bridgnorth St Georges Family Day, Castle Grounds.
