{"id":13994,"date":"2019-02-05T09:10:42","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T16:10:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/?p=13994"},"modified":"2019-02-08T11:39:04","modified_gmt":"2019-02-08T18:39:04","slug":"infrared-camera-and-air-leaks-in-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scotthomeinspection.com\/infrared-camera-and-air-leaks-in-homes\/","title":{"rendered":"Infrared Camera and Air Leaks in Homes"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is easy to detect air leaks when you sit next to a defective window on a super cold Winter night. Unfortunately, we don’t always know where air leaks are in our homes or how they might be impacting our health, physical structure or wallets.\u00a0One of the best ways to detect home air leaks is with an infrared camera.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Department of Energy says<\/span><\/a> that air leaks not only cost you more money on your heating and cooling bills but are also a source of poor air quality. Homes that continuously leak air might be susceptible to moisture issues, which can invite things like <\/span>mold into your home<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Do Infrared Cameras Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

An infrared camera detects radiation that reflects heat differences in temperature variations. The cameras can identify temperature variables that the naked eye just cannot see. The viewfinder of the camera will display a series of gradient colors on a small screen giving the operator a clear look at the <\/span>heat spectrum in a particular space<\/span><\/a>. These colors are expressed in brighter reds, yellows, and oranges for warmer signatures; while cool blues and purples indicate cool areas of a home.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Infrared Cameras are Used to Find Air Leaks<\/span><\/h2>\n

An inspector who is looking for air leaks will usually bring \u2018blower door\u2019 test equipment to pull air through the home.\u00a0 When this equipment is used, it creates a vacuum in the home, making air leaks more detectable with the infrared camera.\u00a0 The combination of infrared scans and blower door testing is the most effective way to discover air leakage and is the preferred method of most energy auditors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Infrarad<\/a><\/h2>\n

Common Air Leaks Found with an Infrared Camera<\/span><\/h2>\n

An inspector will likely turn off the heating or cooling system of your home and make sure all the windows and doors are closed to get the most accurate test. Here are some of the most common places an infrared camera can detect air leaks in your home.<\/span><\/p>\n