Booking one of our thermal imaging cameras is free. They’ll show you where your home is leaking heat so you can do something about it.
If you live in or around Ipswich, you can collect a camera by visiting the library in the town centre. If not, you can book one online, just as you would reserve a book and it’ll make its way to your local library for you to collect (find your nearest library).
The cameras are straightforward to use, and all come with a handy step-by-step guide. Once you’ve taken your photos, simply return the camera to the library so someone else can borrow it.
Click here to book a camera
Frequently asked questions:
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What kind of buildings can be surveyed with a thermal imaging camera?
Any type of home or community building.
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Who is responsible for the camera when it’s in my possession?
The person who signed the user agreement form when booking it and whose library card it was booked under. We understand that accidents happen and just ask that you take good care of the cameras when in use.
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How long is the battery life on the thermal imaging camera?
The Flir One Edge (Pro) lasts around 2.5 hours and takes 1-1.5 hours to charge.
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Do I need a smartphone?
Yes, you will need a smartphone or tablet as this is what you connect to the thermal imaging camera. Your device will need at least iOS 17 or Android 13 so that you can install the FLIR ONE app.
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Does there need to be phone signal to use the thermal cameras?
No, when you are doing the thermal imaging survey your phone doesn’t need to have signal, it just won’t be able to record the location of the thermal image.
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How long can I book a camera for?
Loan periods are for three weeks* with the option to renew if there are no outstanding reservations
*Four weeks if you are registered on the mobile library service.
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Can rented properties be surveyed?
Yes, there may be some measures renters can take themselves (see our next steps page) but there is also help for landlords if the property has a low energy rating.
Under Government legislation, domestic private rented properties are required to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard before they can be rented to tenants. This is defined as an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E or above.
Next steps and helpful resources
Once you’ve got your photo and you can see where your home is losing heat you may be interested in how you could potentially tackle these heat leaks. Improvements can sometimes be quick and simple whilst others may require greater effort and investment.
The information pack linked below contains both easy and more affordable DIY fixes along with information into some of the existing support, grants and schemes which you may be interested in to help with larger improvement projects. Though we’d love for you to take on home improvements after using the camera there is no obligation to do so if you don’t want to.
Download our info packIf you’ve read through the how to guide that comes with the camera and are still unsure about how to use it or if you have any further question about taking part, contact the team at charles.nixon@suffolk.gov.uk.
