How Infrared Thermography Inspections Guide Energy Investments

For decades, commercial infrared scanning has been important in identifying cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency. Also known as infrared thermography inspections, thermal imaging provides a noninvasive yet precise way to find, prioritize, and ultimately address sources of heat loss in commercial buildings. The practice has been incrementally standardized by the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and state regulators to ensure consistent measuring and reporting, with new standards established in 2023. 

Learn a bit more about infrared inspections and the role they play in commercial energy audits.

What Is Infrared Inspection?

Known by various names like thermal imaging and thermal scanning, infrared inspections rely on specialized equipment to produce images of heat transfer or loss from objects, equipment, or systems inside and outside a building. The images show heat loss or transfer as bright-red, with room temperature surfaces blue or purple. 

Infrared technology is immensely helpful in finding the source of a problem and can usually find common energy inefficiencies, such as:

• Air leaks around ceilings, walls, doors, and floors

• Damaged, wet, or missing insulation

• Electrical faults
  Heat loss through walls, windows, and other surfaces

• Overloaded circuits

• Plumbing leaks

• Structural defects in the building

• And more

The Benefits of an Infrared Inspection and Energy Audit

Starting your energy efficiency project with an energy audit that includes thermal imaging has several advantages. The audit's findings offer immediate insight into the best energy-saving opportunities and guide future preventative maintenance practices. 

The audit will:

• Identify insulation issues

• Find air leaks

• Detect moisture problems

• Locate roof issues

• Detect electrical and equipment heat sources

While infrared inspection services benefit all commercial properties, the technique is especially important when making replacement and upgrade decisions. Your Keen energy consultant will provide a detailed thermographic report and considerable documentation on additional findings, covering everything from an HVAC equipment assessment to energy bill reviews. 

Read more: Industrial Energy Use by Sector

Learn More About Infrared Thermography Inspections

At Keen Technical Solutions, thermal imaging is just one of many tools we use to provide a full, detailed picture of your facility’s energy environment. We’ll work with you to identify the most impactful upgrades, source project materials, and find tax credits and rebates to shorten the return on investment timeline. We’re here to help; schedule a conversation with a Keen energy consultant today.