A NEW thermal map that shows residents and businesses how well insulated their property is can be seen online.

The map allows residents to enter their postcode and see an image of their property that uses a simple colour scheme to show how much heat is being lost through the roof.

The thermal image of the county was captured between November 2008 and March 2009 on cold, clear winter nights.

The website, www.warmerworcestershire.com includes information on ways to insulate homes, helpful hints on using energy more efficiently and advice on free or discounted loft and cavity wall insulation.

Residents can also look out for Warmer Worcestershire stands at local events taking place over the summer. Free thermocards that provide a guide to the optimum temperature for your home will be available on the stands.

The team behind the website claims £1 out of every £3 spent on heating a poorly insulated home could be wasted.

"I'd urge everyone to visit the website and find out whether they could improve the efficiency of their homes, whether through better insulation or by making small changes in behaviour," said Professor Michael Clarke, chairman of the Worcestershire Partnership.

In the second phase of the project, vulnerable residents, such as the elderly and those living in poverty, will receive advice on grants to insulate their homes and other schemes to help in paying their heating bills.

The work is being done as part of the Warmer Worcestershire project, aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the county and assisting vulnerable residents to access grants to insulate and heat their homes.

The project is being coordinated through the Worcestershire Partnership and brings together organisations responsible for local services, including county and district councils and Local Strategic Partnerships, the Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire NHS and Act on Energy.

Residents can visit www.warmerworcestershire.com or ring Act on Energy on 0800 988 2881for free, impartial advice.