Thermal Imaging: A Smart Move for Businesses

July 19, 2023

Finding Efficiency

Companies are constantly seeking new methods to improve performance and reduce costs. One practical tool that can assist in this pursuit is thermal imaging technology. By understanding heat loss and potential energy savings, businesses in the UK can gain valuable insights from thermal imaging surveys.

Diagnosing Heat Loss Effectively

Poorly insulated buildings can lead to excessive energy waste. The solution lies in finding these weak areas and addressing them, rather than merely changing the heating source. Thermal imaging surveys can provide a thorough understanding of a building's heat loss, pinpointing the areas where energy escapes from the building fabric.

Non-Intrusive and Cost-Effective

A major advantage of thermal imaging surveys is their non-disruptive nature. The surveys can be carried out without interrupting daily operations, ensuring business continuity. Furthermore, these surveys are cost-effective, providing valuable insights that can help enhance energy efficiency without a hefty investment.

Potential for Energy Savings

With utility bills on the rise, wasteful energy use in poorly insulated buildings is a concern for businesses. Thermal imaging can identify the weak points in building insulation, allowing businesses to effectively allocate their budget to the necessary upgrades. This leads to more efficient heating and cooling systems, ultimately reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.

Strategic Planning for Upgrades

Thermal imaging can help identify specific areas where insulation improvements are needed. This focused approach enables better budget allocation, enhancing the return on investment.

Applicable to All Building Types

Whether it's an older property requiring substantial insulation improvements to meet current standards, or a new building expected to achieve its 'as designed' performance, thermal imaging surveys are valuable. The ability to conduct these surveys on various properties makes them a versatile tool for businesses in different sectors.

Seasonally Timed Planning

Conducting thermal imaging surveys during the coldest months can provide the most effective heat transfer monitoring. That said, planning shouldn't be left until winter. Ideally, businesses should plan these surveys during the summer months, allowing enough time to implement necessary improvements before the colder weather arrives.

Dependable and Accurate

When performed by qualified thermographers using the correct equipment, thermal imaging surveys offer dependable and accurate data. This detailed information enables businesses to make well-informed decisions about their insulation and energy usage.

Adopting thermal imaging technology is a practical step for businesses; it supports sustainability, efficiency, and cost savings. By identifying areas of potential heat loss, planning upgrades, and reducing energy waste, businesses can work towards a more efficient and financially sustainable future.

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Do New Electrical Appliances Really Need PAT Testing?

September 9, 2025

Introduction We’ve been hearing this question more and more from customers lately: “Do brand-new appliances still need PAT testing?” It’s a fair question. After all, new equipment usually arrives sealed, with manufacturer labels and testing certificates. But when it comes to safety, compliance, and peace of mind, the answer is a little more nuanced. What the Law Actually Says There is no strict legal requirement that says every appliance must be PAT tested. The law simply requires that employers and duty holders keep electrical equipment safe and properly maintained. That means the responsibility is on you to ensure equipment is safe to use, whether it’s new or not. The law doesn’t prescribe how you do it, but PAT testing is one of the most reliable methods. New Equipment: What Best Practice Looks Like Industry guidance generally states that brand-new equipment does not usually need a full PAT test . A thorough visual inspection is often enough. Why? Because new appliances are supplied as safe. But… there are a few important caveats. Why Some Organisations Still Choose to PAT Test New Appliances Even new items can develop issues before they reach you: Transit damage : knocks, drops, or rough handling. Storage conditions : damp, dust, or stacking problems. Manufacturing faults : rare, but possible. For most offices or low-risk workplaces, a visual check may be sufficient. But in higher-risk environments, like healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, many duty holders choose to test new equipment anyway. It’s about risk, peace of mind, and protecting people. A Risk-Based Approach That Works Low-risk settings (offices, shops, classrooms): Carry out a visual inspection, log the equipment, and move it into service. High-risk or critical settings (workshops, hospitals, factories): Consider a full PAT test even for new appliances, to establish a safe baseline and prevent costly downtime or accidents. Documentation and Competence Matter Whether you perform a visual inspection or a full PAT test, keep a record. This creates a clear audit trail and shows that you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure safety. It’s also important that the person carrying out the inspection or test is competent, trained, knowledgeable, and confident in spotting issues. Conclusion: What’s the Smartest Strategy? In most cases, new appliances don’t require PAT testing, just a solid visual check as part of your risk management process. But remember: if the equipment is critical, the environment is high-risk, or there’s any sign of damage, a PAT test is a small investment in safety and peace of mind.