Thermal Imaging and Energy Audits: Detailed Notes

Thermal Imaging and Energy Audits

Veterinary Applications

• Thermal imaging can be used in veterinary applications.
• Example thermal image with a temperature of 64.0°F.

Thermal Cameras

• Thermal cameras capture still-frame and motion.
• Resolution varies from model to model.
• Cost ranges from 100 to 10,000.

Attic Heat Loss

• Heat loss can occur from gable wall vents due to non-insulated attic space.
• Example thermal image showing heat loss with a temperature of 52.3°F.

Missing Insulation

• Missing insulation in the ceiling can cause heat loss.
• Insulation damage can occur from electrical wiring retrofit in walls.
• Heat transmission loss can occur through the wall/roof top plate.
• Transmission loss can occur from ceiling and wall framing.
• Insulated exterior patio doors are noted.

Non-Insulated Slab Floor Loss

• Heat is conducted from the house through a non-insulated concrete slab floor.
• Note the active fireplace at the end of the walk.

Fenestration Heat Loss

• Left Window: Modern double-pane, argon filled, U = 0.35
• Right Window: Old single-pane, aluminum frame slider, U = 0.95
• Center Patio Doors: Wood frame, older double-pane, no argon, U = 0.45
• Note the "hot" concrete slab floor edge.

Framing Heat Loss

• Transmission loss of heat occurs along framing members.
• Example thermal image showing heat loss with a temperature of 84.4°F.

Door Heat Loss

• Heat loss can occur from poor weather stripping at the threshold (bottom of the door).
• Differential heat loss occurs through solid wooden doors, caused by routed decoration (thinner door areas).

Water Damaged Insulation

• Water exposure will damage insulation properties.
• Thermal imaging can be used to locate hidden leaks.

Safety Issues

• Image with temperature readings: 80.7 °F, 75.6, 97.9°F, 68.5°F

Other Applications

• Water Tank: Thermal imaging can show the water level in a 5000-gallon water tank.
• Water has a different heat capacity than air in the headspace.

Other Applications

• Live Water Lines: Location of live water lines within walls can be identified.
• Water has different heat capacity than the wall.
• Note a coiled garden hose that is full of water but cool as it has no active flow.

Other Applications

• Electrical Motor Maintenance: Thermal imaging for electrical motor preventative maintenance.
• Photo shows overheating of a motor that is pulling more than rated amps.

Other Applications

• Overheating of electrical transformers.
• Example thermal image with a temperature of 39.7°F.

Other Applications

• Passenger Vehicle: Showing hot engine compartment and hot brake pads in wheel.
• High temperature in fuel injectors may indicate plugged injectors.

Any Questions

• Final slide with a temperature of 70.0°F displayed.