Thermal Imaging
How it Works
Thermal imaging has been described as the most important tool to hit the home inspection industry since the flashlight. Thermal imaging cameras use infrared heat sensing technology to create a “heat signature” photograph called a thermograph. Each thermograph shows a “thermal range” of all items pictured, with the brightest colors indicating high temperature areas and dark blue indicating the coolest areas.
How It’s Used in Home Inspection
Thermal imaging is used by home inspectors to evaluate the portions of plumbing and electrical systems that are enclosed in walls and to detect energy loss issues such as missing insulation or poorly sealed doors and windows. This technology also detects overheating water pumps and electric motors like those found in ceiling fans.
![Screen Shot 2018-02-08 at 2.03.30 PM This set of images shows a window that is losing heat, both with and without infrared home inspection technology from Florida Certified Home Inspectors.](http://floridacertifiedinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Screen-Shot-2018-02-08-at-2.03.30-PM.png)
This thermal image indicates significant heat loss coming from a poorly sealed window frame.
![a3735c01d6f6ca6fce191314c55912a0 This is an infrared image of an overheating circuit breaker, discovered by Florida Certified Home Inspections during a home inspection.](http://floridacertifiedinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/a3735c01d6f6ca6fce191314c55912a0.jpg)
This image shows a main electrical panel with a defective circuit breaker.
![cd92e354af1991fb11c1c40d8e5d18e2 This image was taken by Florida Certified Home Inspections with an infrared camera to reveal an attic insulation defect during a home inspection.](http://floridacertifiedinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cd92e354af1991fb11c1c40d8e5d18e2.png)
This image depicts missing insulation in the attic above.
![c2bfe70995fedd1979b044de630da9c1 This infrared image shows an overheating electric motor found during a home inspection by Florida Certified Home Inspections.](http://floridacertifiedinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/c2bfe70995fedd1979b044de630da9c1.jpg)
This image shows an overheating electric motor.