I recently learned that it is possible to borrow a thermal imaging camera and other renewable energy tools from the Medicine Hat Public Library (see this from the Medicine Hat, AB HATSmart).
Other tools mentioned are an infrared thermometer, a power cost monitor and a watt meter. They are loaned like other library assets, handled with the normal system.
These are tools that the average homeowner might use if they were aware of how to properly use them to spot energy leaks. Some, like the thermal imaging camera, the average homeowner likely would not buy for their own use because of high cost. Rentals are not commonly available outside the "big city". Borrowing from the local library makes a lot of sense.
Were such tools available from my own library system?
I asked Erin at the local Lion's Head, ON library yesterday about borrowing renewable energy tools.
Erin thinks they have one of the IR spot thermometers available.
Interestingly, she was not sure how to look these things up. On my library receipt, the call number for trickle-star is "BCPL energy monitor", the title is "Energy monitor loaner program". I have it for a week and will do some testing with it. You can reserve it through the BCPL on-line library.
My library also has a geocaching kit complete with GPS that you can borrow and there is some talk of buying a 3D printer!
The Medicine HAT Smart website has lots of useful information and is worth having a look.
I would be interested in what you find at your own library. Please use the comment form below.
George Plhak
Lion's Head, Ontario, Canada
Your comments are always welcome. You can use the form below (comments are moderated and will appear a short time after you post - prevents spam)