See The Heat Program

Feb 3, 2020 | 11:29 AM Pete McIntyre

Kelowna residents can see where heat loss is happening in their home through a new program from the City of Kelowna, Fortis BC and Okanagan Regional Library.

Residents can borrow a thermal imaging camera from the library through the See the Heat Program, and use the results to take measures to prevent heat loss.

Participants also get a free draft-proofing kit containing window insulation, draft insulators and weather stripping.

“We are happy to partner with the Okanagan Regional Library and FortisBC to help residents see the areas of heat loss in their homes so they can make upgrades, reduce their energy use and heating bills, and make their home more comfortable,” said Chris Ray, Community Energy Specialist, City of Kelowna. “Improving the energy efficiency of homes is also one of the ways to meet Kelowna’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.”

Kelowna residents with an Okanagan Regional Library card in good standing can visit http://www.orl.bc.ca/? and search “Home Energy Kit” to reserve a camera from the Mission, Downtown or Rutland branch. The cameras can be borrowed for up to seven days.

“We are very happy to be part of this project to enable library card holders to improve the efficiency of their homes. I truly hope people will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity,” said Michal Utko, Director of Marketing and Communications with the Okanagan Regional Library. “This program is a fantastic way to empower Okanagan residents to understand how their home uses energy, find ways to make it more efficient and save money in the long run.”

For building professionals looking to find cost effective ways to meet the Energy Step Code, the City of Kelowna, Okanagan College, and UBCO are hosting a workshop at the Okanagan Innovation Centre on February 18. Additionally, for builders looking to upgrade their skills on the latest airtightness methods, the City of Kelowna and FortisBC are co-sponsoring an Airtightness workshop, scheduled for February 26.

To learn more about the See the Heat program and ways to improve you’re home’s energy efficiency, visit kelowna.ca/energy.