ANNUAL COLLOQUIUM 2012

Picturing the invisible: what is the impact of thermal images on householder intentions to install thermal efficiency measures?

CHARLIE MORRIS-MARSHAM

2nd Year PhD Researcher15 November 2012

Context

Reasons for probably/ definitely not installing• 35% costs too high/

savings too low• 15% lack of time/

information• 7% hassle / disruption• 6% no guarantee of

savings• 5% reduced saleability• 4% changed appearance

* Department of Energy & Climate Change, 2013. Green deal and ECO data release - October 2013.** GfK NOP, 2013. Green Deal Assessment Survey: Data tables.

37%

Context Thermal Images Method

GD plan1%

Green Deal plans(as % of total Green Deal assessments)*

Cavity wall insula-tion

Solid wall insulation Upgrade/ new windows/ doors

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

31%34%

29%

Probably /definitely won’t install **(even if the financed by means other than the Green Deal)

Non-financial considerations ≈ financial considerations

• Infrared radiation• Visualise:

– heat loss – missing insulation– draughts– damp– cold bridges

Attention to heat loss Favourable attitudes to

thermal efficiency measuresWhat is the impact of thermal images on householder intentions to install thermal efficiency measures?

Context Thermal Images Method

Thermal Images

Method: Experimental design & interviews

Context Thermal Images Method

Aim: Does being exposed to thermal images cause a change in attitudes/ intentions to install measures?

Experimental design

Anticipated impact: • Home assessment process

improved to strengthen intentions to install

• Build theory around non-financial barriers

Example question:

Installing external wall insulation would*

make my home warmer unlikely │ -2 │ -1 │ 0 │ 1 │ 2 │likely

save money unlikely │ -2 │ -1 │ 0 │ 1 │ 2 │likely

enhance my homes appearance unlikely │ -2 │ -1 │ 0 │ 1 │ 2 │likely

cause disruption unlikely │ -2 │ -1 │ 0 │ 1 │ 2 │likely

Thank You