When it’s a challenge to capture a suspicious home issue with a conventional camera that relies on visible light, consider reaching for a thermal camera that can create an image using infrared radiation. These cameras work by detecting heat that’s emitted by objects and organisms. The heat reading is then converted into an electronic signal so it can create a thermal image that is displayed on a video monitor.
Thermal cameras can be used to identify differences in temperature across the detection field, which is one of the main reasons why thermal cameras are commonly used by home inspectors to help find hidden issues within the structure of a building. Find out more about thermal camera uses both around the home and in the garden with this informative guide.
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The TopDon thermal camera has the ability to detect a wide temperature range—from -4 to 1,022 degrees Fahrenheit—with an accuracy of +/- 2 percent, making it possible to identify exactly where heat loss is occurring and where excess heat may be building up, allowing homeowners to pinpoint hidden problems within a home.
Locate leaks.
Leaking pipes and plumbing fixtures can cause a serious amount of damage to a home if they are left for an extended period of time, but in many cases, leaks can go unnoticed when they occur behind walls. They can even be difficult to spot with a borescope. However, if you use a thermal camera, you should be able to find the location of water leaks by detecting a difference in temperature around the pipes. This method can also be used to monitor the drying progress of an area where water damage or leakage has occurred. It’s essential for the health of a home’s structure to make sure building materials can fully dry.
Detect heat loss.
One of the top uses for a thermal camera around the home is to detect areas where a home may be leaking heat, which leads to inefficient heating/cooling and increased energy bills. Home inspectors commonly use thermal cameras for home energy audits. They scan walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and doors to locate where the home may be losing heat, so that you can improve the energy efficiency of a home by patching holes and cracks, adding insulation, and sealing small gaps.
Identify plant stress.
The top thermal cameras can be put to use both inside the home and out in the yard to help determine the health of the plants in your garden. Thermal cameras can be used to detect plant stress or disease, making it easier to identify potential problems before they can spread to the rest of the garden. Having this information helps gardeners determine the cause of the issue and take the necessary steps to correct the problem, leading to improved plant growth and better yields.
Find unwanted pests.
Another use for thermal cameras at home that often gets overlooked is helping track down pests both inside and outside the home. Using a thermal camera, you can detect areas of termite and ant activity, locate exactly where possums, rats, mice, and other animals may be in the roof, walls, or ceilings of the home, as well as find hidden burrows or nests in the yard. By locating these pests, you can then take action to remove any invaders before they can cause further damage to the property.
Pinpoint electrical faults.
When there are electrical faults in the home electrical system, it can lead to fires and other potentially hazardous situations. By using a thermal camera, you can detect hotspots in the electrical system. These hotspots are typically due to overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, or other issues with the electrical components, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible to repair these problems to help reduce the risk of fires. Even if homeowners are unsure about the reading from the thermal camera, but suspect there is a problem, it’s a good idea to have a professional electrician inspect and repair the area.
Inspect building structures and HVAC systems.
Homeowners and building inspectors can use a thermal camera when they are trying to determine why the electric bill is so high. The readings can identify any hidden issues within the home, like pinpointing where insulation may be inadequate or missing entirely. The thermal camera can also be used on the HVAC system and ducts to detect clogged filters, duct leaks, or components that are malfunctioning, making it easier for homeowners to take prompt action and prevent costly repairs. Additionally, thermal cameras can detect gas leaks that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.
Assess outdoor heating and irrigation.
Outdoor heating systems, like patio heaters, can be great for enjoying the outdoors late into the evening and during the colder months of the year. With a thermal camera, you can analyze the heat distribution to ensure your outdoor heating sources are evenly placed. Additionally, thermal cameras can be put to use on the lawn and garden to track where water tends to flow, allowing you to optimize your yard and garden irrigation for the best growth potential.
Save Energy While Staying Cozy