Can Your HVAC System Be Improved With Thermal Imaging?
One big problem for homeowners is figuring out where their house is losing energy. Since 33% of energy use is lost through leaks in a home, you will likely want to take steps to figure out how to prevent this from happening. Here is what you need to know about how thermal imaging can actually help detect inefficiencies that affect your HVAC system.
How Does Thermal Imaging Work?
In the past, the only method you could use to detect home inefficiencies was to physically feel for drafts. The problem is that it is incredibly inaccurate and will only find problems areas that are very obvious. These days, inefficiencies can be found using infrared technology, which uses a color-keyed image to display which parts of your home are hot and cold. It helps identify places where you are lacking insulation in places you wouldn't be able to check, such as behind drywall.
When To Have Thermal Imaging Done
The best time to have thermal images taken of your home is when there is a big difference between temperatures outside and inside your home. This is because you want to see energy loss in places that are not and cold, and if the temperature outside and inside your house is the same, it may be hard to find problem areas. If the temperatures are close, try to have the work to be done during the morning, when the sun does not have a chance to hear your home after a long day.
How To Perform Thermal Imaging
The process starts by looking at your home's exterior, which will be used to identify places where the walls lack insulation, and you could be losing energy. You'll notice that there are verticals lines in places where studs are located, where the interior of the wall is the densest, and where there is energy loss around windows.
Interior walls can also be checked to find places where you are losing energy through your air ducts. For instance, you may have a leak that is causing air from your HVAC system to heat the inside portion of your walls rather than a room. The attic can also be checked to find places where insulation is poor, or the roof is leaking air to the outside.
For more information on thermal imaging to improve your home's energy efficiency, work with a heating repair service in your area that provides thermal imaging services.
