Thermal Imaging Inspection Helps to Reduce Energy Bills

Published on December 24, 2017

Infrared thermal imaging is one of the most accurate diagnostics for measuring home energy efficiency. A comprehensive thermal imaging inspection can easily identify home insulation that is damaged, or existing insulation that has been poorly installed. A thermal imaging inspection can also isolate pockets of air leakage, as well as moisture intrusion in the building envelope. All of this can contribute to inadequate home energy efficiency and therefore higher energy bills.

Using infrared technology, a thermal imaging inspection makes use of a high-tech camera that scans deficiencies in a building envelope. Amongst other things, the infrared camera accurately evaluates a home’s energy efficiency (or lack of efficiency). Professionally managed, a thermal imaging inspection allows for early diagnosis of problem areas, and early action on remedies. It means targeting a home for energy upgrades that will reduce energy use, lowering energy bills.

Remedies and retrofits for homeowners

With an in-depth thermal imaging inspection, energy inefficiencies throughout the building envelope are easily pinpointed. As such, specific remedies can be recommended, with retrofits that are targeted at problem areas. This is an ideal approach to rectifying specific deficiencies.

The main benefit of a thermal imaging inspection is the non-invasive process. There is no need to open ceilings, walls, or attics, and accurate diagnosis can be achieved easily, yet precisely. When assessing home energy performance, problem areas can be located in preparation for retrofits.

Detecting air infiltration and exfiltration

Thermal imaging is the ideal for performing energy audits and home inspections. Accurate data is provided about air tightness, air leakage, and energy efficiency. As well, imaging reveals pockets of insulation that have been compromised. It all allows for an action plan to resolve deficiencies.

Because undesirable airflow and air leakage is of primary concern when it comes to a building’s energy efficiency, identifying specific areas of compromise will ensure that the most effective repairs and/or retrofits are undertaken. With energy efficiency addressed, energy use is reduced.

Inspection allows for effective remedies

With accurate thermal imaging, effective remedies contribute to improved energy efficiency, and energy consumption is measurably reduced from season to season. The result – lower utility bills in summer and winter. Better still, incremental remedies can be easily initiated going forward.

Most important with thermal imaging is the need for professional attention. A skilled inspector will have an understanding of building mechanics, including air leakage, moisture accumulation, and thermal bridging - all of which influence and affect energy consumption and efficiency.

A skilled inspector can also recommend which remedy is of the highest priority and which retrofit will deliver the best return-on-investment. In this way, insulation upgrades, air sealing, and weatherizing can be prioritized in order to provide the best savings on home utility costs. 

With thermal imaging, homeowners can actually pre-empt potential problems from developing. It means that diagnosing existing deficiencies can forewarn about future issues, and there is little or no chance of surprises. In other words, a preventive approach is the effective approach.