A council which deployed heat-seeking vehicles to take thermal images of properties will now tell residents if they need to insulate their homes to save money.

Using thermal imaging technology, the Heatseekers hit the streets of Reigate and Banstead last winter to identify homes that could benefit from improved insulation.

Now they will offer free surveys and talk to residents about the potential grant funding offers that could help them better insulate their homes, reducing their energy bills and carbon footprint.

The scheme, developed by the Energy Saving Partnership, is operating in the borough with the agreement of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council to help householders save energy and money.

After reviewing the images of 4,590 properties taken over the winter months, Heatseekers’ experts have identified 1,558 homes that may be lacking cavity wall or loft insulation.

Over the next few weeks its surveyors will be knocking on those residents’ doors, showing them the thermal image of their property and talking to them about the insulation measures which are available to them. They will also be revealing just how much money they could save on heating bills by insulating their home - up to £265 each year.

Councillor Julian Ellacott, executive member for environment, said: “The council is keen to ensure that residents are aware of the grant funding that is available to all homeowners to reduce significantly the cost of home insulation improvements. This scheme will play an important role in the council’s long-term plans to help residents make their homes more energy efficient, cutting their energy bills and tackling climate change.

“The Heatseekers thermal imaging vehicles have created quite a buzz in the sector and we were pleased to get them in action in this borough. The technology has already helped householders to make targeted energy efficiency improvements in thousands of homes across the country and we are glad that it will now be bringing offers to our own residents.”

Letters will be sent to householders in the next few days to let them know about the surveyors’ visits.

Homeowners who would like a free insulation survey on their property can call Heatseekers on 0845 390 9390 (local rate call). No approaches will be made to homes in “no cold calling zones”, so residents in these areas should contact Heatseekers directly to if they are interested to find out what warmth measures are available to them.