EXPERT THERMAL IMAGING SURVEYS
Helping to improve the world we all live in, one building at a time
THERMAL IMAGING
Professional domestic & commercial thermal imaging surveys and reports
HEAT LOSS SURVEYS
Independent ABBE Level 3 heat loss surveys for domestic heat pump installations
INDEPENDENT EXPERTS
19 years’ experience in thermal engineering, and trained experts in IR cameras and heat loss
What We Do
At Red Fox Thermography, we help our clients reduce the carbon footprint of their buildings. We achieve this by combining detailed thermal imaging surveys with our expert knowledge on insulation techniques. We also provide commercial building thermographic surveys to help towards BREEAM compliance, as well as full heat loss surveys for our domestic clients.
We combine our background in high-end spacecraft thermal design with expert training in the use of high-specification infrared (IR) camera and aerial drone equipment. Overall, we have the unique specialist expertise to help you survey your premises and work towards a carbon-neutral future.
Based in Hitchin, we offer independent thermal imaging surveys and a range of complementary services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and North London.
Our Services
COMMERCIAL THERMAL IMAGING
Category 2 trained thermal imaging surveys for BREEAM compliance
GREEN INSULATION ADVICE
Providing advice on more sustainable insulation options for retrofits
"The government estimates that 19 million of the UK's 29 million homes are on the bottom rungs of the Energy Performance rankings with a rating of "D" or below." J. Rowlatt (Feb 2022) UK must move faster to insulate homes - climate chief, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-60290876
What Is a Thermal Image?
Thermography is the process of using a thermal imaging camera, either tripod or aerial drone mounted, to create an image of an object by capturing the infrared radiation it emits. All objects above absolute zero (-273°C) emit electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, by using carefully tuned sensors, we can capture a thermal image or thermogram which gives us an understanding of its apparent surface temperature.
Thermal imaging a building allows us to look at variations, and areas of excessive heat loss, to better understand where improvements need to be made. One of the key advantages of a commercial building thermal imaging survey or a home thermal survey is the ability to produce thermal images in real time. This allows us and the client to instantly identify and understand the key areas of concern. Further post-processing to optimize the images allows us to provide a thorough and informative assessment.
Qualified Experts
Our Category 2 Trained Thermographers are experienced professionals who provide specialist advice on all aspects of energy efficiency for your building.
Fully Insured
For peace of mind both on site and at our offices, we arrive at every project fully insured and covered for all eventualities.
High Specification Equipment
Using state-of-the-art infra red thermal imaging camera & drone equipment which is compliant with UKTA recommendations, we are able to offer precision reports based on professionally calibrated technology.
Book a Heat Loss Survey Now
Contact us to discuss your requirements. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis, covering regions across the UK including Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex & North London.
Commercial Thermal Imaging Surveys
Commercial thermal imaging surveys are becoming more important as businesses work towards net zero carbon emissions. We understand that the BREEAM standard is perhaps the world-leading standard for sustainability in the built environment, and a key element of certification is building thermal performance.
However, even without BREEAM, the UK government is now moving to impose stricter requirements on the energy performance of commercial properties, requiring commercial buildings to be EPC Grade B or above by 2030, with hefty fines anticipated for non-compliance.
At Red Fox Thermography, we can help clients work towards obtaining BREEAM credits via comprehensive thermal imaging surveys:
- We fully understand the requirements set out in the underlying requirements specification (BR-176) and will work in partnership with the client towards a successful outcome.
- Our thermal cameras are above the recommended specification given by the UK Thermography Association. We also offer the capability to perform drone-based aerial thermal surveys in addition to the traditional tripod-mounted system.
- We can arrange surveys before and after works are undertaken to help guide clients where improvements need to be made. Our surveys are entirely non-intrusive and are usually undertaken outside of normal working hours to ensure correct thermal conditions.
- All our surveyors are PCN Category 2 trained and fully insured for on-site work. As part of the survey preparation, we will perform a full risk assessment to enable us to work safely on site.
Professional Thermal Imaging Surveys You Can Trust
Domestic Thermal Imaging Surveys
The main purpose of an infra-red, or thermographic survey is to identify the major heat leaks within the fabric of a building that lead to poor thermal comfort and excessive heating demand. This can often be attributed to poorly fitted, or absent insulation or inadequate construction techniques. Additional problems can also be caused by wear and tear; for example, removal and refit of insulation battens within a roof space following work to services, or failure of door and window seals over time.
We can work with homeowners to perform a general thermal imaging survey of the property to identify these areas. Consequently, our resulting report will provide guidance on work that can be undertaken to improve the building’s thermal performance.
Why Do I Need a Domestic Thermal Imaging Survey?
Our domestic thermographic surveys are used for all sorts of reasons, the biggest being homeowners wishing to understand how well insulated their properties are. This in itself may arise from concerns about:
- New build properties being poorly insulated during the build process
- Older homes lacking the more modern insulation materials
- Build processes that modern building regulations mandate
- Heating bills and the ability to lower your energy costs through improved insulation
- Work you’re planning to undertake to improve the green credentials of your home, before and after which you wish to have thermal imaging surveys performed
- Provision of reports which are invaluable to architects and builders who use them to help guide building insulation improvements
All these are areas where thermal imaging excels. Our independent specialist services include full thermal imaging survey reports – contact us now for a quote.
"About 23% of our emissions are from keeping warm heating our buildings. We need to bring those down." Jan Rosenow of the Regulatory Assistance Project (Feb 2022) UK must move faster to insulate homes - climate chief, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-60290876
What is a Home Heat Loss Survey?
In contrast to a thermal imaging survey, a home heat loss survey is an analytical assessment performed by a trained surveyor, with the aim of quantifying the heat loss from a property. These surveys are performed on a room-by-room basis and are prerequisites for heat pump sizing and design (in line with CIBSE and MCS requirements). Heat loss surveys also complement the fabric-first approach to building thermal design. They allow the homeowner to identify particularly problematic rooms, or thermal elements, that can be addressed as part of a refurbishment project.
Heat pump suppliers will often offer heat loss surveys as part of their complete package to size, design and install such systems. However, this can lead to over- or under-sized systems if not done correctly. This, in turn, will lead to the customer potentially paying more (both for initial installation and continual operation) for a non-optimised heat pump.
At Red Fox Thermography, we offer truly independent expert heat loss surveys. Crucially, we have no affiliation with suppliers, so you get an accurate picture of your home heat loss and heating requirements.
Our heat loss surveyors are ABBE Level 3 Certified, and all assessments are undertaken in accordance with BS EN 12831 (Compliant with CIBSE ad MCS accreditation).
When combined with thermal imaging, heat loss surveys provide a powerful set of tools for identifying potential problems in a building’s thermal design.
Why Do I Need a Heat Loss Survey?
- Are you planning to move to a heat pump from a conventional gas or oil heating system? An MCS accredited heat loss survey is a pre-requisite to obtaining the necessary grants for the heat pump installation.
- Under the new part L of the Building Control Regulations (2022), it is a requirement for all new build domestic properties to have a heating flow temperature of no more than 55°C. In addition, it is a requirement for those properties to have an individual room-by-room heat loss calculation.
- Our heat loss calculations provide confidence that the heating system is not under- or over-sized. They also provide the necessary information to scope and size heating systems as part of any planned refurbishment.
- Following one of our thermal imaging surveys, heat loss surveyors can be used to provide guidance on how to improve room thermal comfort. Subsequently, the results of the survey will allow our trained surveys to explore different insulation or heating options.
Independent Heat Loss Surveys for Peace of Mind
Contact us now for professional, independent assessments of heat pump viability.
