Infrared Technology - Your Key to Energy Bill Savings and a Well-Maintained Home

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Infrared technology can greatly benefit your home. Infrared can provide you with a lot of interesting information to better understand the condition of your home.

Here is a list of some of its uses:

1.      Detect the presence of insulation
2.      Find out where there is air leakage
3.      Detect moisture and water leaks
4.      Determine if there are electrical, heating and/or cooling problems (infrared photos of these systems can be revealing)
5.      Detect construction defects: determine if proper materials are used
6.      Locate pests such as mice
7.      Locate mold

Infrared technology is a wonderful tool. It enables the homeowner to detect problems without destroying walls. Because of the color spectrum used, it provides clear-cut evidence of the degree of a problem. Infrared is a great detective tool for determining the root of leakage problems. Oftentimes the leakage pathway is not so straightforward. Interior infrared scans are the best way to determine these leakage problems, since the interior surface area is greater and more complex. In addition, the interior scan is not affected by the elements of weather. However, exterior scans are extremely important in determining at exactly what points air is escaping to the outside.

The infrared camera reads light that is in the heat spectrum. Red to white light is very hot. If you see this on an exterior scan, you know that precious energy is leaking out of the house. The cooler temperature colors range from pink (cool) to violet (very cold). If colors in this spectrum are present on the interior photos, then a serious air leakage problems exists.

Often a blower door is used to intensify the air leakage. This makes it more easily detectable. The air leakage will appear as black streaks on the infrared photos.

One of the most crucial areas of heat loss are thermal bridges. Very often buildings are insulated between steel or wood studs. The cold air can enter the uninsulated areas where studs are installed. Continuous insulation is the best way to insulate a structure.

The infrared camera can pinpoint a number of other undesirable conditions. Wet insulation conducts heat faster, so this will show up easily in the color emitted. Water leakage emits its specific color spectrum. This color and the uniqueness of the shape of the leakage make it more noticeable. It's a wonderful technology for locating mold and pests, which also emit their own unique color in the infrared spectrum.

To prepare for an infrared scan, make sure that the temperature differential outside is at least 20-30 degrees. Move furniture and drapes away from way to enable a comprehensive and thorough reading.

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