A new heat map on Herefordshire Council’s website allows residents to see how energy efficient their homes are.

This map shows how much heat lost from homes in parts of Herefordshire. The map was compiled through the Council’s results of a heat survey; The aerial survey was carried out over two nights in February 2015 with a thermal imaging sensor and details which homes are losing the most heat.

Residents of Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, some other towns and several selected villages will be able to check how much heat their homes lose.

The heat loss is shown using a colour scale. Red, orange, yellow, green and blue. Blue shows the lowest heat loss, while red is greatest heat loss.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “Residents can see how their homes are performing and can then look at ways they can improve their energy efficiency.”

The council recently re-commissioned Keep Herefordshire Warm, a partnership with local energy charity Marches Energy Agency - aimed at improving energy efficiency and tackling fuel poverty across the County.

Residents with any query relating to the survey or energy in general are being encouraged to contact the free and impartial advice line on 0800 677 1432. Energy experts can provide information on how to reduce bills, tips for staying warmer over winter and details on grants and assistance to help residents improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Councillor Price continued: “Homes that are poorly insulated and expensive to heat can have an impact on people’s health as well their incomes. This survey will not only help residents see how much heat their home is leaking but also ensure the council targets those communities that need the most help.

The survey was commissioned using funding from the Department of Energy and Climate Change and it took place after 7pm, when the skies were clear and the temperature below seven degrees. These conditions gave the best chance of domestic properties being occupied and having the heating on.

Fuel poverty in Herefordshire has been identified as a significant health and wellbeing challenge and the need to keep warm indoors, as well as wrapping up well when outside are key to achieving this.

Cllr Price added: “Obviously our results are only a snap shot in time and if people were on holiday or didn’t have the heating on it won’t show up as emitting any heat. However, it will hopefully start people thinking about what measures they can put in place to improve the energy efficiency of their homes”.

People are being asked to be patient as demand for the website is expected to be high.