WITH the colder evenings drawing in residents might want to know how energy efficient their homes are.

And Rose Hill residents will soon be able to find out by signing up to a new campaign from the Rose Hill and Iffley Low Carbon Group.

Members will have the use of a thermal imaging camera for two weeks in January, but they are encouraging residents to express their interest now.

They will take a picture of the house before advising people what they can do to reduce the amount of energy escaping from the pemises.

Paul Skinner, treasurer of the group, said: “What can bring it home to people is seeing a picture of their house with hot spots of heat escaping.

“We can talk about stopping the heating escaping and how to save them money.

“Primarily if we can help them to reduce the heat loss from the house then they will save money over time.

“It is part of our work about raising awareness of carbon emissions and climate change, and generally increasing awareness of reducing carbon emissions.”

The group has taken an image of chairman Eleanor Watt’s home to illustrate what it can show residents – the red and yellow patches show where the most heat is leaking from – and what they can do to prevent as much heat escaping including insulating the front door.

Mr Skinner said the group has applied to the Rose Hill Lottery Project for funding to offer those who take part insulation materials for their homes, but they do not yet know whether they will get the cash.

In January, members will go out in the estate to take the pictures of the front and backs of houses in the evening and talk to the residents who have signed up.

Rose Hill grandfather-of-one Mr Skinner said: “We are hoping to have a get-together at the end of the campaign where everybody can come and share ideas and to have a couple of people talking about what they can have done to make things better.”

Peter Lefort, project officer for Community Action Groups Oxfordshire, which is providing the camera, said: “This is a simple thing a group can do in their community to make a difference.”

He added: “The most simple tips for people are making sure curtains are closed and making sure they are not in front of the radiator and blocking the heat coming in.

“Putting foil behind the radiator can help as it reflects heat back into the house.

“Insulation is an important one.

“A lot of the things you can do are free. It is about behaviour change.”

Residents can sign up by visiting rosehillandiffleylowcarbon.wordpress.com