Technology allows us to look “under the skin” of our homes and discover hidden issues. Addressing them keeps up safer and cuts our household expenses. Thermal imaging is one of the inspection methods that is now available to ordinary people when they hire professionals with the right equipment. But if you thought you knew all about what it can do for you, think again! From the most to the least obvious, we take a closer look at why thermal imaging inspection is a smart thing to do.
1. Keeping Your Home Cool in Summer and Warm in Winter
Heating and cooling costs amount to almost half of the average household energy bill. Making sure your home is properly insulated against heat and cold not only makes it more comfortable – it also saves on the costs of adjusting indoor temperatures during the hottest and coldest times of the year.
As most people will know, thermal imaging helps us to see where our houses are losing heat to the outdoor environment and helps us to identify the spots where we can improve insulation. It’s a worthwhile exercise. The EPA says that proper insulation can save up to 15 percent on heating and cooling costs, saving the average household a significant amount of money in the long run.
2. Look for Moisture Intrusion
Although you can usually spot roof leaks, developing mold, or damp in a home you’ve had for several years, a coat of paint can cover a multitude of issues including damp spots and water damage. Unfortunately, it doesn’t solve the problem. That roof is still leaking – or the damp is still rising, and that not only points towards a need for costly maintenance tasks, but to a home that is potentially unhealthy to live in.
With the fad for “flipping” homes on the rise, many sellers are buying cheaply, adding a lick of paint, and reselling – even when they’re aware of structural issues that allow moisture intrusion. If you’re buying a new home, you could find yourself with an unexpectedly high repair bill. But thermal imaging reveals the hidden secrets you weren’t meant to spot. If you already have a home with moisture problems, thermal imaging can help you to track the issue to its source.
3. Spot Electrical Faults
Faulty electrical wiring can be hard to spot. Everything is working perfectly, but there’s trouble lying in wait – and in a worst case scenario, that could even mean a house fire. Physically inspecting a home’s wiring is no easy task. But faulty wiring will tend to give off heat, and thermal imaging is the easy way to spot potential problems. Once you know where they are, it’s simply a matter of choosing an electrician to check it out.
Looking to DIY as much as possible? This is one area where you should definitely not try out your handyman skills! There are very good reasons why electricians undergo long apprenticeships and must be licensed to practice their trade.
Thermal Imaging Inspections – Not Just for New Home Buyers
Although thermal imaging inspections will help you to assess the condition of a house you’re considering buying, this test will help settled homeowners too. After all, things like roofs and wiring do get worn out over time, and even insulation can start to degrade after a decade or two, especially if the old method of installing fiberglass batts was used.
Thermal imaging helps us to identify and trace problems we can’t easily find with visual inspection, and even established homeowners can benefit from a checkup every few years. Clean bill of health? It’s one less thing to worry about!
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