Using Thermal Imaging Cameras for Improving Energy Efficiency

Thermal imaging cameras render infrared radiation as visible light
and allow us to detect things that would otherwise be invisible to the
naked eye. Sometimes called FLIR cameras - Forward Looking InfraRed -
thermographic cameras have been used for many years in a variety of
different ways including night vision, security and law enforcement
(most of us will have seen footage of police using thermal imaging
equipment in helicopters as they track criminals at night for
example).What you may not know is that thermal imaging has a very
significant role to play in reducing energy consumption and improving
energy efficiency.Thermal Imaging Cameras for Building DiagnosticsOne
of the most talked about subjects in recent years has been that of
energy use. As energy prices soar, fossil fuel resources become
depleted, and as concern over climate change increases, many of us
have begun to pay much closer attention to how we use energy.The
easiest and quickest method to detect energy waste is infrared
thermography. An infrared camera shows exactly where the problems are
allowing areas of energy loss to be diagnosed.Up to 50% of all the
energy used in a building can be lost as heat escapes through
chimneys, attics, wall vents and inefficiently sealed doors and
windows.In January 2009 a local council in the UK used thermal imaging
to detect which properties in the area were wasting the most energy.
They were then able to use this data to provide advice and information
to residents on how they could better insulate their homes, use less
energy and save money on their heating bills.Modern FLIR thermal
imaging cameras are very easy to use and allow the user to easily
create reports and analyse the data. As energy audits of domestic and
commercial buildings have become more widespread, many inspectors are
now making use of these FLIR cameras. Not only are they easy to use
on-site, but they can also be connected very easily to a computer so
visual reports can be sent to clients.For many people thermography has
turned something abstract into something tangible. The cameras create
a heatmap of a building, showing which areas are cold and which are
hot. This allows building owners to see a visual representation of
where energy is being lost.Thermal imagers are also a valuable tool in
predictive maintenance, detecting problems on mechanical, electrical
and structural systems, as well as pinpointing areas where moisture is
building up. As the desire for low-energy and 'passive' buildings
increases, construction companies across Europe are beginning to use
thermography to quickly identify areas of heat and air loss.