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Energy Audits and Thermal Imaging cameras

By
Home Inspector with Home Safe Home Inspections

Hello my name is Dave and I am a new user to Active Rain.

I have been in business for 8 years and I am seriously thinking of enhancing my services and obtaining extensive training to enable me to properly perform energy audits and also purchasing a infared camera.

I feel more and more home owners are concerned about there energy expenses. "With an energy audit the owner will know exactly were their energy losses are". The cost of an energy audit is about $300 to $400 and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Thermal Image of patio door

This photo was done at my home during a camera demonstration by a thermal imaging represenitive. I used my software program to show the real life picture compared to the thermal image. You can see at the bottom of the door there is a drop of 15 degrees due to a poor weatherstrip and seal.

Now the infared cameras range from $3000 to $20000. There are numerous types and the cost varies.

Training costs between $500 and $2000 plus hotel and travel expenses.

 

Before I offer this service I want to be well educated, trained and have the proper equipment.

 

I would just like to ask the real estate community there opinions on this service. The camera can also be used during a home inspection at an added cost.

 

Below are a few links with information on energy audits and thermal imaging cameras.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_audits

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXPXE0qsmjg

 

 

John Sopher
SOSI Inc. DBA Southside Homes, DBA HLC Home Inspections - Midwest City, OK

When do you think you are going to offer this service?

Jan 01, 2009 10:18 AM
David Macy
Home Safe Home Inspections - Broadview Heights, OH

I plan on taking my education classes this winter. I would like to start the service by the end of 2009 or at least by the beginning of 2010. I want to make sure I am properly trained and have the right equipment.

Jan 01, 2009 11:35 AM
John Sopher
SOSI Inc. DBA Southside Homes, DBA HLC Home Inspections - Midwest City, OK

Are you going to focus on home inspection IR education or get a level 1 & 2 certification?

Jan 01, 2009 12:08 PM
David Macy
Home Safe Home Inspections - Broadview Heights, OH

I am going for the home inspection education first and then the level 1 certification.

Jan 01, 2009 11:12 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Dave - IR cameras are just another arrow in your quiver.  When you need another weapon to battle the inspection problem beast (many heads are on that one) it is nice to reach around and grab that arrow.  As you can see from your door, an examination and photo are definitive.

Jan 03, 2009 09:05 PM
David Macy
Home Safe Home Inspections - Broadview Heights, OH

Jay

I understand you use thermal imaging. How has it helped your business and clients. Do you have any case scenerios you could share with us.

Jan 04, 2009 12:03 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Dave - many!  I posted a blog just the other day - "IR To the Rescue."

Jan 04, 2009 07:35 AM
Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer
Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

I've been so busy that I have not had a chance to look at IR. I suspect that 2009 won't be the year, either.

If I had it, I could see using it as part of my TECH inspection, but probably not any of my home inspection choices below that. The expense added to the home inspection in terms of cost and time would be too great.

And welcome to ActiveRain, by the way. What a great day to post your first blog entry -- January 1, 2009.

Jan 21, 2009 09:16 PM