Danville Utilities, in partnership with the Danville Public Library, is making available thermal imaging cameras and energy usage monitors to help customers see their way to saving on monthly cooling and heating bills.
The cameras and monitors are available for checkout at no cost at the main library on Patton Street.
“We encourage our customers to take charge of their electricity use by using the cameras and monitors to make energy-saving adjustments in their homes,” Utilities Director Jason Grey said Monday. “By having them available for checkout at no cost at the library, our customers can reap the benefits without having to make a personal financial investment in these devices.”
The cameras, which attach to a smartphone, show hot and cold spots in the home, while the monitors measure the energy used by household appliances and electronics.
“Thermal cameras are a great tool because they can see what your eyes can’t,” Grey said. “You can feel spots such as drafty windows and doors, but some areas, such as where insulation is missing, might surprise you. These cameras will help you identify where air is getting in or out of your house.”
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households waste on average $200 to $400 annually as a result of drafty doors, windows and other air leaks.
“These problems are easily fixable,” Grey said.
Danville Utilities purchased two FLIR One cameras that will work with Android devices and two FLIR One cameras that will work with iOS devices.
“They are a new tech development that will help our customers save money, and they are easy to use,” Grey said. “You turn on the camera, plug it into your smartphone and launch the app.”
In addition to the cameras, four Kill-A-Watt energy monitors are available for use.
“When you plug your appliances and electronics into the monitor, you will find out how much energy it is using and whether it is worth keeping plugged in or how efficient it really is,” Grey said. “Even when turned off, many appliances continue to draw electricity. The monitors will show you which appliances should be unplugged when not in use, or which devices are energy inefficient and in need of an upgrade.”
To check out the cameras and monitors, customers must present a Danville Public Library card to the circulation staff. Library cards are available at no cost to city residents and residents within a 50-mile radius of the city.
The cameras and monitors can be borrowed for up to one week.
“The Danville Public Library is excited to have a part in providing these special devices to the community,” said Joe Zappacosta, director of the Danville Public Library. “Please ask us for assistance in researching how to make your home more energy efficient.”
Danville Utilities offers HomeSave, a rebate program that offers cash rebates to customers who purchase qualifying new energy efficient upgrades for their home.
After the purchase, customers can obtain the rebate by filling out the HomeSave application, then sending the application – along with required proof of purchase documentation – to Danville Utilities by mail, fax or email. A check will be mailed upon approval.
Rebates are offered on qualifying central air conditioners, heat pumps, HVAC tune-ups, attic insulation, wall insulation, floor insulation, crawlspace insulation, Energy star windows and smart thermostats.
For more details, visit www.danvillehomesave.com. In addition, a rebate program hotline is available. The phone number is 888-599-0450.