Infrared cameras can diagnose many home-performance issues, such as air leaks, missing insulation or thermal bridges.
Insulation contractors and energy auditors have used infrared cameras for more than 30 years to diagnose problems in home performance. A trained specialist can use these cameras to find insulation voids and air leaks, moisture intrusions, thermal bypasses, thermal bridges and other problems without having to open up walls or ceilings. An infrared camera can be used to find leaks in hydronic tubing embedded within a slab. There are many names for these tools, including thermographic scanners (IR) cameras and thermal imaging devices. A thermogram is an image created by such a camera. A thermographer is a trained user.
Many people believe that thermal imaging in Calgary measure surface temperature. However, this is not how they work. The IR camera measures the intensity (radiant energy) of infrared radiation emitted from the surface it is aimed at.
History of infrared camera
Infrared cameras were first used by academic researchers to diagnose thermal envelope defects. They were expensive and could only be used once per year. These cameras were heavy and required liquid nitrogen to cool them.
Prices began to fall as new models of IR camera were created. He recalls that for an infrared camera, he used a Magnavox unit, which was marketed by Aga. It was the Aga 110. It cost approximately $13,000. Although it was costly, it was very cost-effective. It took me several weeks to find the first thermal bypasses I found, crawling through attics. Another team member, who works with infrared could quickly find thermal bypasses by using an infrared camera and a blower doors. Princeton was the first to combine infrared and a blower door.
