Special offer

Infrared Camera Pics and Info

By
Home Inspector with OPiS Ohio Property Inspection Services

Infrared Camera Inspection

Check out some cool photos:

Overheating Breakers in Electrical Panel   HVAC vent clogged   Interior Ceiling Leak   Radient Floor  HVAC Leak  exterior leak

Energy Fact

According to the U.S.Department of Energy, the typical family spends close to $2,500 a year on their home's utility bills, and unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted due to insufficient insulation and a lack of weather stripping around doors and windows. Professional home inspectors and energy auditors have been using leading-edge infrared technology to perform energy auditing of homes and buildings to improve energy efficiency, thus leading to savings on energy costs.

 

How Infrared Thermography Works

Thermography enables us to see and measure heat. All materials on earth emit heat energy, in the infrared portion of the spectrum. Unfortunately, the unaided human eye cannot see in the infrared. Thermographic, or simply thermal, images allow the user to see thermally, revealing anomalies that in turn identify problems in buildings and their component electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and waterproofing systems. Today's lightweight and rugged infrared cameras can not only see in real-time, but can also record infrared images and measure the temperatures of target objects quite accurately-to within 1/10 of a Fahrenheit degree or better. Points of possible concern show up clearly as hot or cold in relation to their surroundings. Recorded thermal images can be easily inserted into reports, and e-mailed, greatly facilitating communications among trades, attorneys, and other professionals and serving as invaluable, rational, evidentiary data in cases involving controvers.

About FLIR Systems

With over 30 years experience and more than 30,000 of its IR cameras in use, FLIR is the undisputed global leader in infrared systems. From industrial to military applications, thermography professionals have made FLIR their number one choice. No other company offers such a wide range of infrared cameras, software, service, training and support. FLIR's ThermaCAM series of thermal imaging cameras have long set the standard for thermographic testing and analysis. Today they are the most widely used non-contact temperature measurement infrared cameras in the world.

 

Ryan Kuenkel

Mission Home Inspection

www.mhi-inspection.com

 

Mark H. Roe
BeSure Home Inspection Service - Lancaster, OH
BeSure Home Inspection Service

Ryan,

 Very interesting take on this type of inspections. I have been looking at this type of inspection, but I am not really sure it will justify the cost of the equipment at this time. Thanks for posting the information.

Mar 23, 2007 02:01 PM
Bob Elliott
Elliott Home Inspection - Chicago, IL
Chicago Property Inspection

Gee my last inspector had one.

can"t wait to pluck down $12,000 for COOL pictures.

Mar 24, 2007 04:52 AM
Ryan Kuenkel
OPiS Ohio Property Inspection Services - Cincinnati, OH

Mark, you are right! This type of inspection is very interesting! and so do many other people, aka "clients". Right now its not well know and a lot of people dont even know what an infrared camera is. But time is changing fast! 

This is why I have the Camera. It's a niche'. Right now that is one reason I purchased an Infrared Camera. Does it help! of course! people are very impressed and ask questions all the time. But you are right again. Right now it is very hard to justify spending (6500 not 12000 fyi) a lot of money for one piece of equipment. But if marketed right!! it will be well worth it.  So, I know what you want to hear, am I getting the return for my money RIGHT NOW! NO! Will I? I believe one hundred percent I will get my return. You know what. Lets think business, get your clients what they wont! If you think your clients dont want to see the leak behind there bathroom wall, then I wouldnt buy the infrared camera! Its all about marketing!

 Hope this helped!

Hows it going up in northern Ohio?? Its actually warm today!

 Ryan Kuenkel

Mar 24, 2007 07:07 AM
Mike (Inspector Mike) Parks
Inspector Mike - Circleville, OH
Inspector Mike

Ryan

Good topic. Me too, this is alot of money until people understand the importance of this inspection.

Mar 24, 2007 09:17 AM
Gary Smith
SafeHome Inspections - Ridgeland, MS

This kind of camera and tech can open up many new oppertunities with respect to energy inspections, roofing leak detection, and many more. Cool images is right. What is the risk factor of miss-reading the image?

Gary Smith www.garynsmith.net

SafeHome Inspections

Mar 24, 2007 09:26 AM