Residential Energy Auditors uses infrared scanning to detect thermal defects and air leakage in building envelopes (homes walls and ceilings).
How does it work: Infrared measures surface temperatures by using still camera. This tool sees light that is in the heat spectrum. Images that are captured record the temperature variations of the building's skin. The results of these images help the auditor determines where air leaks are entering the home.
The blower door helps exaggerate air leaking and is easier to detect when using an IR Camera at the same time. The blower door increase the air leakage and is more defined in the IR Image/Picture.
Infrared scanning also allows us to check the effectiveness of insulation in a building's construction. The resulting infrared scan help auditors determine whether a building needs insulation and where in the building it should go.
Pictures below show areas of concern from an infrared scan completed during an energy audit. Notice the darker blue and black areas in the IR Images below some where cold air is moving into the house. In picture three, the IR Image shows areas around the attic hatch that is not insulated or weather-stripped and is allowing cold air to fall into the house.
