In the 21st century, ways to contribute to energy efficiency are at the top of the list for Americans. Infrared cameras or thermal imaging cameras are one way to accomplish this important goal.

What is a thermal imaging camera? It is a camera that utilizes infrared radiation to capture details the human eye cannot. A visible light camera typically has a range up to 750 nanometers, whereas thermal cameras have a range up to 14,000 nanometers. The technology is gaining momentum and can be seen incorporated in the health care industry, government, military, security, residential, industrial and commercial.

One of the new processes for these thermal cameras that have been put in place is thermal infrared inspection for residential, industrial and commercial buildings. In the past, building inspectors have had to rely on their eyes and intuition to determine troubles with a building. This process, despite the level of skill of the inspector, was prone to error. Today, thermal infrared inspection allows the inspector to find potential problems with a building that would otherwise not be seen with the human eye. With a thermal imaging camera, an energy audit can take place to determine what factors in a building are contributing to higher energy consumption and higher energy bills.

For examples, if a building is experiencing heat loss and air infiltration, an energy audit with a thermal camera can accurately locate the problem areas. If a building is experiencing water leaks, thermal cameras can pinpoint where those problems are. The added benefits for thermal cameras are that they are safe, inexpensive and non-intrusive. In addition to industrial and commercial thermal infrared inspections, home owners are increasingly looking to contribute positively to the environment and to save money with green audits, as well. Because the technology is non-intrusive, a homeowner does not have to worry about damage to their home. One of the most common ways to incorporate the technology is with a comprehensive energy audit from a qualified inspection company or energy consulting service. The technician will determine energy efficiency by taking photos of the areas with a thermal camera. The photos are later analyzed and inspected. The benefit of these photos is that deeper more invasive thermal infrared inspections can be accomplished.

How do you know if your home is in need of a green audit for energy efficiency? The first obvious reason would be if you notice an increase in your energy bills. For example, if the temperature of your home in winter is too cold and you find that you are constantly raising your thermostat, a green audit could solve the problem. It is also a good idea to seek one of these audits proactively. President Obama and his administration have initiated an incentive for thermal infrared inspections as part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a revolutionary initiative which is seen by the administration as necessary for a healthy American economy. A green audit, with the use of a thermal imaging camera, contributes to the initiative by helping to contribute to the health of the environment and by saving on energy bills for businesses and private residences. Since one of the Obama administration's goals for the country is to become increasingly green, money for green audits is available. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes over 7 billion dollars in economic stimulus money. In addition to increasing the gross domestic product and creating new jobs, the money will be invested in green initiatives and will help companies that are using thermal cameras for energy inspection. For example, $4.5 billion dollars have been set aside for the repair of federal buildings using green technology, which would include thermal imaging cameras.

by Jolie du Pre