The image above might look like it came from a magnetic resonance imaging machine.

In fact, it was created through "thermal imaging".

"Recent research from both UBC and the University of Calgary has shown that thermal imaging of homes at a neighbourhood scale can be a reasonably accurate tool for identifying homes that can benefit from improved insulation, windows, and air tightness," the city stated in a news release this morning. "Vancouver hopes to draw from the experience that other cities have had using thermal imaging to help detached houses find opportunities for improving their energy efficiency."

If an area is hot, it's bright yellow in a thermal image. Cold areas appear as dark blue.

Those yellow zones reveal where heat is leaking from a home because thermal imaging only examines surface-area temperatures—not what's inside.

According to the city, there are 77,000 detached homes in Vancouver, of which about 40,000 were built before the 1960s. These are most susceptible to heat loss.

As part of a pilot program, the city is offering free thermal imaging in Strathcona, Hastings-Sunrise, Dunbar, Southlands, Riley Park, and Victoria-Fraserview.

Participants will learn about B.C. Hydro and Fortis B.C. incentives to save energy.

Homeowners who don't want thermal images taken can opt out by emailing thermal.imaging@vancouver.ca.

Anyone interested in learning more can visit the following drop-in sessions:

Monday (January 9): Room 328 of the Hillcrest Community Centre (4575 Clancy Loranger Way) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday (January 10): Rooms 111 and 112 of the Dunbar Community Centre (4747 Dunbar Street) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday (January 11): Seniors Lounge at Kensington Community Centre (5175 Dumfries Street) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday (January 12): Templeton Room at Templeton Park Pool (700 Templeton Drive).