A heat survey is a thermographic inspection of a building to identify areas where energy and heat are being lost from a property. It can be used in the home or commercial buildings to highlight areas of poor insulation. The survey can be done at the time of a new build or when a refurbishment is being carried out, to provide an accurate picture of the thermal performance of the building before any invasive work takes place.

In this study, a 97-question survey was administered to jurisdictions with responsibilities for extreme heat preparedness and response. This survey included questions asking if the jurisdiction had a written HAP, if it conducted HAP-related communications (e.g., news alerts), and if it had completed an activity associated with a preparedness goal such as developing a cooling center map or increasing access to fans and air conditioners.

Heat Survey 101: Assessing Thermal Efficiency in Your Home

The survey was conducted in fall and winter, when the risk of EHE may not be front-of-mind for many jurisdictions. As a result, the survey employed branching logic to ask more specific questions about specific activities related to EHE preparedness and response activities.

Efficient use of heating is critical to reducing energy consumption and cost in buildings. For example, the optimum insulation in the walls and roof of a property can save a great deal of energy and money for the homeowner or business. Thermographic inspections using the latest technology can pinpoint the source of excessive energy and heat loss, without removing walls or cutting into walls. A thermographic scan can also be undertaken whilst the building is de-pressurised with an air tightness blower door to give the ultimate insight into where heat and energy are being lost.