I’ve borrowed one from Carbon Co-op twice. The first time, I didn’t really know how to use it, but before borrowing it a second time I went on a Carbon Co-op training session with Diane Hubbard, and think I got much better results.
Internal insulation in bay, on left, uninsulated hard to fill cavity wall in centre and chimney breast on right.
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Matt does the camera need to be collected locally. I am based in Nottingham.
Octopus Energy have done some press releases about lending of thermal imaging camera but not been able to actually get my hands on one.
Are there any other recomend resources about how to get the best out of them.
Or does this section from @liam ust about cover it?
As a standard we ask people to collect it from us in Manchester, but where that is not possible because members are outside of Manchester (or due to the recent restrictions) we can definitely post it out to you! I will send you a private message with more information on how to book the camera.
This post I made in this thread has some links which might be useful to you.
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With the IR camera you are looking for contrast. This can be done in two ways- inside, looking for cold air coming in or outside looking for warmth escaping the dwelling. I would recommend doing both. The pictures are digital and don’t cost anything so take as much as you can from different perspectives to get the full view of the situation you are experiencing.
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Great advice - thanks
Hi All!
Presume this looks like a thread for thermal images?
I borrowed the Manchester Carbon Coop thermal camera last week - please see my pictures in the link below!
I’ve included a few comments/queries in the pdf, numbered Q1 to Q6 - any responses gratefully appreciated 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lkXxXJQ7CE8jR4ZMpAnCBHZs5lEfEJiN?usp=sharing
Peter
Hi, an interesting set of results. I “liked” the heat loss around the ceiling light fittings in the kitchen and the air-vent at low level in the lounge. You have thought you could deal with those lift fittings - what is the insulation material in that slopping ceiling generally?
I guess in terms of ventilation you could do with some temperature and RH% sensors dotted around the house (approx 4 no. will probably be more than sufficient) to check the humidity levels prior to making changes to the ventilation. Have trickle vents been fitted with any of the (new) windows? How many extract fans are there in the house (ducted to outside)? Look to Aereco vents for possible alternative to trickle vents or to replace that air-brick (but at a better location).
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Ace thanks Dom 
So, in response:
-not sure what’s behind the plasterboard on the extension ceiling (where the light fittings are) and a little nervous about doing that kind of investigation (very much a newbie DIY-er!)
-can you recommend some temp/RH sensors, and how to log the data?
-no trickle vents on the double glazing - just the option to lock the window ‘cracked open’ as opposed to fully shut
-one vent fan in the bathroom; one in the downstairs loo
-re: aereco vents - something like this? And what is a better location usually? higher up?
Pete
If you could get hold of an endoscope (camera) that would probably be the best way to visually inspect behind those light fittings.
At the moment I am using EmonTH devices paired with an EmonPi from Home | OpenEnergyMonitor
This works out a little expensive once you add several devices etc, so it is probably worth looking at Xaiomi sensors (https://www.aqara.com/us/temperature_humidity_sensor.html)
Yes it would be to have the Aereco vents higher up - say about 1.9m above floor level.
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It is worth mentioning that Carbon Co-op also has an borescope (the same as an endoscope but NOT for use on the human body!) which is available for members to borrow. It hasn’t been as popular as the thermal imaging camera and I might need a little bit of time to dig it out (and if there is more interest to set up a process), but is is there to use.
For now, just send me a message if you are interested!
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As promised IR images of the loft hatch and of the steel chimney support boxed in in the bedroom below - clearly we have more insulating to do . Stuffing of the gaps and cracks is happening this weekend
. 
Thanks!
If I were to treat myself, what’s the full list of things I should buy from the Openenergymonitor shop?
Also, what’s the reasoning behind putting vents in at 1.9m? Is it about airflow, or about it being the right height for the internal humidity sensor??
Pete
I think putting the air vents high up is best because essentially they will be bringing colder air from outside and this will mix as it descends within the room away from the vent.
I will try to pull together a list of stuff from the OpenEnergyMon site in terms of temperature and RH% monitoring. In terms of locations for the EmonTh (temp / RH%) sensors the best location would be away from sources of heat (rads but also TVs etc) and at a height of approx 1.2-1.6m from the floor (ie general middle of body height).
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So yes to confirm if using OpenEnergyMon gear then the best combo for you would be 1no. emonPi (which can also monitor your electricity use - add CT clamp and voltage transformer for that purpose) with say 3no. emonTH units to monitor temperature and humidity.
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Are the emonTH units weatherproof or did you buy the optional extra external sensor with one of them for your outdoor temp logging??
No the EmonTh devices are not weather proof so you either need 1 of the probes you have identified or you need to put the EmonTh in another weather proof box or put it in your outdoor gas meter box (assuming yours is outside).
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It might be worth creating a separate thread about home temperature/humidity monitoring.
I think there is a lot of useful information here and it would be a shame to have it buried in this longer thread about thermal imaging!
I know @Matt in particular has been looking at this in quite some detail. I have now created this thread as a ‘linked topic’. Hopefully we can continue to share some ideas on this!
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Hi,
IR images are often very confusing but usually do indicate areas with issues.
I include the image below of our ceiling that we documented and took plasterboard down.
A small hole for a flexible camera might tell you what you need to know- condensation and moisture accumulation because of a lack of insulation.
I’m pretty sure Mick (the author of this blog post) won’t mind me reposting this here:
https://www.energy-stats.uk/flir-thermal-camera/
@Peter_Mumford , I have just been looking through this thread and looked at your pdf. I had a professional heat and airtightness survey a while back and one of your images really reminded me of one of mine.
The image of the window on a blue wall shows an insulated wall with thermal bridging at the window. Also, possibly a gap in the wall insulation.