Infrared thermographic cameras produce images of invisible infrared or “heat” radiation and provide precise non-contact temperature measurement capabilities. Thermal or infrared energy is light which is not visible because its wavelength is too long to be detected by the human eye: it’s the part of the electromagnetic spectrum we perceive as “heat”. Thermography is the use of an infrared imaging and measurement device to “see” and “measure thermal energy emitted from an object. Unlike visible light, in the infrared world, everything with a temperature above absolute zero (minus 459 degrees F) emits heat. Even very cold objects, like ice cubes emit infrared. The higher the object’s temperature, the more infrared energy is emitted.
There are many functions of thermal imaging technology that can be used to assess various conditions of a home. The data collected from a thermal imaging camera can be used to identify problems in structure, moisture content, and air leakage. It can also be used to detect missing insulation in exterior walls, heating deficiencies, and moisture issues.