Infrared thermal cameras are designed to create images showing hot and cold temperatures to provide a clear and definitive picture of energy issues that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. The cameras detect infrared technology, which is heat and turns it into an electronic signal, which the camera processes into an image or video that includes temperature information.
Infrared thermal cameras can help with a long list of commonly found household issues. As outlined by FLIR, one of our infrared thermal camera favorites below, these issues can affect any home or office.
Thermal cameras can detect invisible moisture leaks, which is especially important when inspecting ceilings and floors where water can often go undetected, building up mold and rotting wood.
Heat can be detected on dimmer switches, which can be a sign of loose connections or circuits that have become overloaded. If gone unchecked, this can lead to breaks in the circuits, outages, or even fires.
Thermal cameras are ideal for use in areas that are difficult to see, like the underside of flooring or the inside of walls. Not only can infrared thermal cameras spot missing insulation, which causes drafts and inefficient uses of energy, they can also inspect pipes under floorboards and in walls, check if mechanical equipment is overheating, and find any gaps in ductwork that could cause refrigerant issues. Without a thermal infrared camera, this work would require opening up floors and walls, a messy, costly, and time-consuming endeavor.
In some cases, users have been able to see animals nests through walls and in attics, giving them enough warning to call a professional removal service rather than unknowingly walk into a dangerous situation unprepared.
Infrared cameras work by being able to see heat and turn it into an image, which also makes these cameras useful for spotting wildlife or when looking for a lost pet in the home or on your property.
For more on infrared cameras, including which is the best option for you, check out three of our favorite picks below.
1. FLIR C2 Compact Thermal Imaging System
With an accuracy of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit and a thermal range of 14°F to 302°F, the FLIR C2 Compact Thermal Imaging System is a powerful camera in a small package.
Pros: The FLIR features MSX-enhanced thermal images that provide enough detail that users can quickly identify issues thanks in addition to the 3” touchscreen. The FLIR has a thermal range of 14°F to 302°F and a 3.6°F accuracy. The compact and portable camera comes with everything you need, including industry standard professional reporting software, a lanyard for safe keeping while in use, a power supply and charger, and a USB cable to download images onto computers.
Cons: Unlike other models of the FLIR, the C2 does not have WiFi capabilities. There’s also no port to add an additional memory card, but the FLIR does have an internal memory with a 500-image capacity.
Image courtesy of Amazon
2. Seek Thermal Reveal
Rugged enough for the job site but easy enough to use at home, the Seek Thermal Reveal has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours and a -40F° to 626°F detection range.
Pros: The Seek is explicitly designed as a rugged and durable thermal infrared camera, ideal for job sites or use in home DIY projects. The Seek has seven color palettes and includes a 300 lumen LED flashlight that is ideal for working in dark areas, like a basement or under a house when checking the foundation. The camera comes with a 206 x 156 thermal sensor.
Cons: The display screen of the SEEK is half the resolution of the FLIR, which can make it difficult to see objects when magnified. Customers also noted that the temperature readout function was often inaccurate.
Image courtesy of Amazon
3. Ancter 4K Wifi Full Spectrum Camcorder With Infrared Vision
The Ancter 4K Wifi Full Spectrum Camcorder features an infrared flashlight, making it the world’s only colorful infrared and full spectrum video recording camcorder.
Pros: The Ancter has a 32 GB SD card, the largest memory storage on our list. It’s also the only camera on our list that can record video. The Ancter has infrared capabilities which make it ideal for shooting at night and for spotting animals and people in low light settings. The Ancter has a 3” touch screen, a built-in high lumens dual LED fill lights, a high definition wide angle lens, a rechargeable battery, a remote for ease of use, a flashlight mount, and 4K shooting abilities.
Cons: The Ancter is better suited for casual video recording as opposed to home inspections and won’t be able to identify heating and energy efficiency issues like the FLIR and SEEK.
Image courtesy of Amazon