Home Inspections using a Thermal Imaging Camera

Thermal imaging inspections are performed using an infrared camera (IR) that converts some of the infrared light spectrum into colors that represent emitted energy, or loosely translated, heat of an object or surface.  There are many possible uses for this technology.  In the application of home inspections.  Areas of walls, floors, and ceilings common with the exterior of the home may be missing insulation, or have the insulation improperly installed.  These areas may show up as hotter or colder (depending on outside ambient temperatures) than the adjacent surfaces.    Slow water leaks, common around fixtures that are infrequently used, etc., may not be readily visible during a visual inspection; however, as the dampness in the wall, ceiling, or floor evaporates, it cools the surface where the evaporation is occurring; this cooling effect can sometimes be apparent when viewed using an IR camera.    There are also many other defects that can be detected such as: overloaded electrical components, leaky mechanical systems or air duct lines, etc.  Many of these defects may not be apparent when conducting a visual inspection alone.  Use of a thermal imaging camera may reveal defects otherwise undetected, saving you potentially thousands of dollars in repair bills and or elevated utility bills.

What other inspection companies are doing

Thermal imaging technology is not cheap; although some cheaper equipment may cost as little as $2,000 cameras meeting minimal standards requirements of some industry associations can cost $5,000 to $20,000.  Proper training on the use of the cameras and interpretation of the information they provide is also essential.  Most home inspection companies that have IR cameras, and there are very few, typically fall into 1 of 2 categories; either they may include IR in their inspections but have equipment with limited capabilities, and may not have the proper education to use the equipment, or they have good equipment and training but try to recoup these expenses by charging as much as $300+ for their IR inspections. 

Expert Property Inspections Thermal Imaging Inspections

At EPI, we believe that the significance of defects that may go undetected is too great to ignore.  However, we understand that the typical home inspection including a complete thermal imaging scan can be very expensive.  For that reason we include a limited thermal imaging survey of the home as part of the home inspection at no additional charge.  The survey includes inspection for possible plumbing water leaks, storm water leaks, and or significant areas of missing or improperly installed insulation.  These are the more typical and sometimes more costly defects that could go unnoticed without the IR scan.  If a more complete IR Survey or Home Energy audit is desired, these services are available for additional fees.

Thermal Imaging Education

Make sure your home inspection is performed by a company that is   properly trained in Thermal Imaging Inspections of buildings.   

To see why a home inspection using Infrared Thermography can be invaluable to a home buyer, take the time to watch this informative video.

Consumers Guide to Infrared Thermography.