Residents Can Borrow Thermal Cameras To Track At-Home Energy Use

From MDEP: The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has recently made thermal imaging cameras available through Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). Library cardholders can borrow the cameras to monitor energy use in their homes.

The easy-to-use cameras are designed to create visual heat maps to reveal hot and cold spots via color-coded images so users can easily identify areas in their homes that are losing or gaining energy. The cameras attach directly to the battery port of iPhones or android phones and can be checked out with an MCPL library card. Presently, there are four Android and four iPhone compatible FLIR-brand cameras available.

"MCPL is excited to partner with the Department of Environmental Protection on this initiative," said Anita Vassallo, acting director of MCPL. "Partnerships between County departments allow us to offer exceptional service to County residents."

Identifying door, window, electricity outlets, cable or Internet entry points that lose or gain heat, as well as exterior plumbing fixtures leaks and insulation gaps, can help residents make short-, medium- and long-range weatherizing improvements. Home improvements such as adding insulation or weather stripping can make living areas more comfortable — and can decrease utility bills.

"Sealing and better insulating your home can help save about 17 percent on heating and cooling costs," said DEP Director Adam Ortiz. He cited research on area homes by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Currently, the Chevy Chase, Olney, Quince Orchard and White Oak libraries are the only branches that have cameras available on site, but they can be transferred to any library location for pick up via a hold request.

"Having thermal cameras available to our customers for checkout will allow them to become informed about potential energy losses in their homes, and they will be able to find information about what to do to improve their energy savings both through MCPL and DEP," said Vassallo.

For more information about the camera program or how to save energy in your home, contact Larissa Johnson, the residential energy program manager of DEP. at 240-777-7711. Questions may be emailed to energy@montgomerycountymd.gov.