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What is Infrared Technology
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Copyright 2009 - I-TECH Energy Services
Copyright I-TECH Energy Services DBA - Patch Independent Home Inspections, LLC 2009
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What is Infrared Technology ?
The Fluke TiR1 Infrared Camera is one of the tools used by the Certified Thermographer Level 1 Advanced on staff.
Thermal Image Scanning using an Infrared Camera
Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to detect very small differences in surface temperatures. Every material has a unique thermal signature and when moisture, heat, cold, or wood destroying insects are introduced into the structure the thermal signature changes. The changes can be subtle or dramatic but with this thermal image scanning technology the thermal signatures are detectable where they wouldn't be able to be seen with the naked eye.
Thermography is the use of an infrared imaging and measurement camera to "see" and "measure" thermal energy emitted from an object. Thermal, or infrared energy is light that is not visible to the naked eye because its wavelength is too long. It's the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. Unlike visible light, in the infrared world everything with a temperature above absolute zero emits heat. Even very cold objects, like ice bergs, emit infrared.
What Thermal Imaging is NOT
It's not a Moisture Meter or X-Ray Vision or Super Tool or a Risk Eliminator. It cannot detect moisture because the best it can do is detect thermal differences. The infrared imaging camera can identify suspect areas that require further investigation by the inspector. Suspect areas can be checked by the inspector with a moisture meter to verify if the area contains elevated amounts of moisture.
Residential Scanning and Rising energy costs
The cost of heating fuels and energy to run air conditioning have risen greatly in the past few years and focus has been on ways to reduce our energy consumption. . Legislation pushes the implementation of energy-saving construction technology, materials and appliances for both residential and commercial buildings.
In October, President Bush signed into law new consumer tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 provides up to $500 in tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements, largely the same – but not identical – to those that expired at the end of 2007. The tax credits apply for improvements “placed in service” from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2009.
|
Purchase |
Tax Savings | Notes |
| Central air conditioner, heat pump, water heater, bio gas stove | $300.00* | Only some Energy Star products qualify. |
| Furnace or Boiler | 150.00* | Only some Energy Star products qualify. |
| Windows | Up to $200* | All Energy Star windows qualify |
| Insulation and sealing | Up to $500* | Must meet model building code as installed |
| Ground-source heat pump | Up to $2,000 | All Energy Star windows qualify |
Selected Tax Credits
* Maximum of $500 total for home improvements.
See this IRS fact sheet for more information: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=153397,00.html
What do customers need to do to get the tax credit? They will need to file IRS Form 5695
(http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf) with their taxes, and keep all receipts. For more information, see the Alliance to Save Energy website:
What has this to do with infrared thermography?
The major advantage of infrared cameras is that they can image and measure surface temperatures and provide clear images that can be stored, sent and analyzed. Our inspector utilizes infrared cameras with special measurement features for building diagnostics which enables easy detection of building anomalies or suspect areas that often result into energy losses. Such cameras eliminate costly inspection techniques that require labor, time and destructive probing. Finding and repairing faulted areas thanks to infrared thermography saves energy resources, time, money and last but not least, provides a rapid return of investment on the infrared survey
What can be done with an infrared camera?
The infrared camera can be applied on the interior as well as exterior. Fields of application include any symptoms and signs marked by a temperature difference on a surface. Here’s a list of possible applications:
Leak, humidity detection
• Floor heating thermography (call before you drill)
• Heating thermography inspections (leaky ducts)
• Building envelope thermography (got heat loss?)
• Air tightness testing (may include blower door)
• Door seal inspection
• Moisture thermography inspections - looking for envelope or appliance leaks
• Roof moisture thermography - great for flat roofs but restricted time for viewing
Building valuing/ damage, repair inspections
• Due diligence thermography
• Covered openings search in walls
• Work documentation, quality control (before and after repair)
• Energy investigations and assessments
Classic maintenance AND building application
• HVAC system performance and repair
• Home electrical inspection and documentation
• Indoor environment inspection
• Pest control in some cases
• Heating system inspection
• Checking drying efficiency of walls, floors, ceilings (other tools required)
Benefits : Infrared cameras can help to -
• reducing heating costs
• preserving and increasing the building substance
• supporting contractors in warranty or insurance claims
• checking repair quality
• detecting long-time construction damages
• detecting and preventing conditions conducive to mold and decay
• preventing formation of condensation
• preventing humidity intrusion in building
• document conditions over time for analysis
Helping Ohians
GO GREEN
