Whether you’re selling your home or buying a new one, it’s important to invest in a professional inspection to determine the condition of the property. For buyers, this assessment offers peace of mind that the house is safe, secure, and a sound investment. Home inspections can also provide sellers with information to set the asking price. ff you’re looking for a home inspector, choose one who uses thermal imaging in home inspections.
How is Thermal Imaging Used in Home Inspections?
Thermal cameras read the temperatures of areas in a room and display the variations in different colors. Warmer hues such as yellow and red indicate warm areas while cooler colors, like blue and purple, represent cooler temperatures. When you hire an inspector who uses a thermal camera, your report will contain infrared images so you can see any areas of concern.
What Can Thermal Imaging Detect?
While thermal imaging can’t help inspectors see through walls, the temperature readings can point to problems that are undetectable with the naked eye. Insulation problems, moisture issues, air drafts, electrical hotspots, and many other deficiencies can be found with thermal imaging.
Electrical Hotspots
Examining electrical components is a part of any home inspection and thermal imaging gives professionals a better idea of what’s going on with that system. Electrical hotpots display as abnormally warm areas. It’s important to take care of these issues immediately since they could pose a fire hazard.
Energy Efficiency Problems
A home’s energy efficiency is only maximized when the house is sealed properly. Thermal cameras help inspectors detect gaps in siding, insufficient insulation, and other vulnerable areas that could contribute to a higher energy bill.
For example, air drafts cause your AC to work overtime in the summer. Warm air will flow in as the cooler air escapes. The same issue persists in the winter and overworks your heater. Thermal imaging in home inspections reveals places where you can improve energy efficiency and save money in the future.
Moisture Problems Can be Found with Thermal Imaging in Home Inspections
Excess moisture is a problem in any household. Fortunately, thermal imaging may be able to catch leaks before they become full-blown disasters. Whether you’ve got a small leak in a plumbing pipe or water seeping through your foundation, thermal imaging displays these areas as unusually cool. Catching these problems early also helps prevent mold growth which is common in places with excess water.
Professionals Who Use Thermal Imaging in Home Inspections
Unfortunately, not every inspector has access to thermal imaging technology. When looking for the best inspector for the job, ask if he or she offers this service. The extra information can go a long way in helping you to understand the condition of your property.
Veriguard Home Inspections provides home inspections to northern New Jersey. Contact us to request our services.