Thermal Imaging Energy Audit

One of the diagnostics we perform during our energy audits is thermal imaging using a thermal infrared camera (TIC). With the use of infrared (IR) technology, which is a non-invasive diagnostic tool, our inspectors have a greater chance at detecting building performance related issues.

About Thermal Imaging

At the end of each energy inspection we scan the walls, plumbing areas, ceiling areas and other areas of concern, looking for energy anomalies and problems. With the TIC we have a greater chance at finding issues that are difficult or impossible to detect with the naked eye. Here’s how it works. The thermal imaging camera produces an image based on minor differences in surface temperature of the areas of the home that are scanned. Every material has a unique thermal signature and when anomalies are present, such as excessive heat or air infiltration, the thermal signature changes. A trained inspector can detect possible issues by interpreting the images captured by the camera. Common defects or issues that can be found using thermography include:

Thermal and insulation deficiencies
Air loss at leaky ducting
Air infiltration and house leakage points
Concealed plumbing leaks

About the IR Images

Each thermal image included in this report shows temperature differences of the subject matter. The light areas represent heat and the dark blue areas represent the cooler temperature. To the left of the thermal image is the temperature scale that illustrates the Delta t or temperature difference captured by the camera. The light photo at the right is the reference photo that shows what was scanned by the thermal imaging camera. On the day of the inspection the heating or cooling equipment was running to create an effective temperature difference to aid in the detection of air loss at the ducting connections and to help detect thermal/insulation anomalies.

missing wall insulation2
Missing insulation in a wall.