Infrared Imaging

What is an Infrared Camera?

An Infrared camera simply records thousands of temperatures and translates them into color so it's easier for us to understand. Did you know that every single pixel in an infrared photo is a unique temperature reading? It's pretty amazing.

How to Read Infrared Images with Examples

Appliances

  • At the top of the image you'll see the date and time the photo was taken. 
  • On the right hand side there's a temperature color scale with the highest temperature (63.1°F) seen in the photo and the lowest temperature (2.9°F).
  • This is a photo of an open refrigerator. 
    • Looking at the Measurements table and the photo we have identified three areas where temperature readings were important.
      • Fridge (Spot 1) temperature = 37.6°F
      • Freezer (Spot 2) temperature = 3.6°F
      • Wall/ambient air (Spot 3) temperature 59.2°F 
  • Conclusion: The fridge was in good working order. 

Plumbing

The first toilet has a noticeable water leak while the second toilet does not. Because the water temperature (Spot 1, Picture 1) is colder than the flooring temperature (Spot 2, Picture 2) we can see the extent of the water leak. Leaks under waterproof flooring can easily go unnoticed. 

Picture 2 only shows colder temperatures in the toilet bowl where the water is. 

Electrical 

This is a photo of a circuit breaker panel with the cover off. The main breaker had a temperature of 230°F. Circuit breakers usually fluctuate between 90°F and 110°F when in use and are considered safe up to 140°F. This panel was dangerously hot and a fire hazard. 

Heating

This is a photo of a defective water heater. The highest recorded temperature was 232°F, which is enough to burn someone. The water heater also had burn marks and pealing paint near the hot spot indicating a potential fire/safety hazard. 

Building Envelope

This photo is the inside view of the front door. The ambient temperature (wall temperature) is about 66°F. The temperature at the bottom left hand corner of the door (60°F) is almost 6°F colder which indicates a leaky door seal that's allowing the colder outside air into the house.  
​

Roof Leaks

The leaking roof above this room can easily be seen with an infrared camera because the water coming in was colder the wood in the ceiling. The green and yellow areas show varying degrees of wetness while the red areas were dry. Notice, the photo on the right shows little evidence of a problem.