Do home inspectors typically use infrared technology to detect air leakage?

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: A growing number of inspectors use infrared cameras to look for water intrusion, missing insulation, air leakage, and other problems. However, infrared technology sees only differences in heat. Problems can exist but not be seen with an infrared camera unless conditions are right. If air leakage is the same temperature as the home, such on a spring day, it won't show up in an infrared image.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Yes, it shows where energy loss is occuring on the home

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared Thermography is an additional charge when done with a home inspector. Not all home inspectors offer this service nor are properly certified by FLIR or other organizations to do IR scans.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Air leakage is actually quite easy to detect based on the system and structure of the area. Infrared technology can be used as verification. We prefer to use infrared for areas that are not visible or for things much more difficult to detect (insulation levels, electrical overcurrent, etc. Infrared should never be an additional charge for any system.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Included in every inspection

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: We use thermal imaging based on customer request. There is an additional charge to do the whole property.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared inspections are not included in a typical inspection, but can be added for an additional cost.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Infrared technology is not required for an inspection.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: I will reply what can be seen visually.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Many home inspectors use infrared technology to detect air leakage.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: I use an infrared camera on every inspection in a limited fashion. I check for water leaks and major issues. I do offer a much more thorough thermal inspection for an additional charge. The value of a thermal imaging is not in the camera but rather the person interpreting what the images are showing. It is complex with many attributing factors, such as the time of day and heat load, to be able to accurately understand what a thermal image is telling you. Anyone can wave an infrared camera around and exclaim "you've had an infrared scan". It is the training and understanding of the environment the image is taken in to make sense of it all. I am trained and certified as to how to interpret these images.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: IR cameras are very expensive the training needed to use them properly is very expensive. If an inspector is not charging extra he may not have invested the time and money in the training needed.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: We do

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Infrared is becoming more widely used today.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Indicators may be discovered. A more technical inspection should be performed focusing on energy usage issues.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Although some will do so, it is not normally done.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared in my experience has always been an additional charge

Answer: Yes
Explanation: inspectors that do not use infrared will almost never find an air leak.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Yet I do to find hidden problems, moisture, rot, or insects etc.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Infrared technology is normally an additional professional consultation.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: However, it is a real good idea to make sure that they have that capability. Here at Royalty Home Solutions, we have that capability.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: depends on temp. differential

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Air tests or air leakage tests are not typically part of a visual home inspection

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Always

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: I am not qualified to perform those inspections.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: While not required infrared is a very useful tool many inspectors use.

Answer: Yes
Explanation: Well the good ones do. This brings another issue though. Not all infrared equiptment is the same and not all inspectors are trained to use it. For example in September of 2016 I was inspecting a property in down town Houston (new 3 stroy town home). The nieghboring property was also being inspected and the buyers were there before the inspector. We had a small conversation about home buying and they told me what sold them on their inspector was his use of thermal imaging. Fast forward a few hours and I notice their inspector performing his infrared scan...with an attachment on his iphone. Now while it is a cool novelty to have a thermal camera on ones phone it is not a professional grade instrument. I personally have several thousands of dollars invested in my thermal training and equiptment. Also, I feel as though many inspectors use infrared as a "short cut". Many say they can see moisture inside walls. Well I will be totally honest and tell you thats not true. The insepctors using infrared as a shortcut will decide that because the camera shows no difference in temperature there is no moisture. A more experianced inspector will go back over areas they suspect with a deep sensing moisture meter. Ask your insepctor questions about their equiptment and training.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This is a extra cost for most inspectors

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: There is a fine line for IRC inspections. I personally will use an IRC to verify a finding. Some inspectors specialize in this field and charge specifically for this service.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: We use infrared for much more than just air leakage issues. Great for detecting water and moisture problems.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Inspection companies may offer many extra types of inspections. None are right or wrong and if the buyer has any concerns about something in particular than additional inspection services are a good idea. A good standard inspection should exposed any major issues.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Not usually but some inspectors offer this service.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: This is not generally included as part of the basic home inspection.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: I include this and would recommend regardless of who you use, require it be done by someone who know how to use the equipment.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Not all inspectors offer this service, and it is more detailed than a basic home inspection.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This is fairly new to the industry and it takes time to learn and perfect.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: A Balance Home Inspection does use infrared technology, but this is offered at an additional service.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: typically only insulation companies use this due to cost.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This service is considered an ancillary service.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: some inspectors charge extra for this service. We included it in the service and the report

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This is beyond the scope of a normal home inspection but may be provided at an additional charge.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Some inspectors use them to find moisture problems without an additional fee. Some inspectors charge extra for more in-depth use of infrared cameras. These cameras cost thousands of dollars and expensive training.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: We use infrared thermometers to detect temperature differentials.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Patrick Erb Home Inspection Services Licensed Home Inspection AL # HI3083 HUD # 638 erbhomeservices@gmail.com 205-412-5256 More Information About Me http://erbhomeservices.wix.com/patrickerb www.promatcher.com/ErbHomeServicesInspection http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f94FUNkxZX0&feature=share

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Not usually done, but some inspectors do that.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: See website for thermal imaging options.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: infrared technology can be helpful but not conclusive. Detailed inspection of problems areas is always best

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: It is not required that a home inspector have any training in infrared technology in AZ. The cost of this service (if offered) would most likely be an additional charge to the client.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Many companies have the capability and at an additional charge can use infrared technology.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Its not part f a home inspection, but some will do it for an additional cost.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Infrared technology is beyond the scope of a home inspection.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared technology can be done for additional fees normally.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Thermal imaging tools are expensive, so when used, it can be used for an extra fee. But the same can be done by observing with the naked eye, any un-caulked windows, and doors w/out weather strip insulation or un-insulated attics or crawlspace, walls, etc.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Usually costs more for this service

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Thermography is the latest technology being used to find insulation gaps, hot wires in double taps, water leaks, and of course air leakage. It is a bonus to the buyer for an inspector to include this in their report.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This is not apart of a typical home inspection. Some inspectors do use infrared technology, and charge extra for the service.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: As an emerging technology I can see it being used more in the future.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: But we do use this and do not charge additional.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: They will check the air flow.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: not part of home inspection

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared scanning is typically for energy inspection.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This is a specialty only some inspectors can offer.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Combustible gas, CO, Temperature and moisture meters are use in all standard inspections

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Buyers discression

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: I use other methods to detect air leakage.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: This is usually conduted by a Building Performance Analyst.The ThermalImaging/Infrared Test is also conducted by a Certified Level 1 Thermographer WHICH I AM. This is a Very Unique area of Expertise as some home inspectors think that by pointing the camera they can actually undersatnd what they are veiwng for an additional cost to the home buyer. The fact is you need to go to school and learnb how to not only use it but interprete its findings onto a report. An Individual that really Does NOT know anything and pertennds he/she does comes in with a $1500 or less camera. The Camaeras we use start at $8,500 and are the best out there to date.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared technology is new to the industry, and quite expensive, but can usually be done for an additional charge through various components, not strictly limited to air leakage.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Not typical but some inspectors do use additional testing devices for an additional charge per the customers request if applicable.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: this would be an example of a secondary service. With that said, an inspector with a building background should be able to educate the buyer relative to leakage issues.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Thermal Imaging is not required by the Standards of Practice in Texas, but some inspectors do have the equipment and training to offer this service. Be sure to ask if the inspector is certified to operate and interpret thermal imaging equipment. Knowing how to accurately diagnose thermal images is a unique skill set.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: It's an added bonus to the inspector because he can determine air leakage faster and more precise.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: We offer it at an additional charge.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Some do for an additional charge but a close look at items such as windows and doors can tell me if air leakage/ heat loss will be significant. The age of the home is also a factor. Older homes, 50+ years will have a noticeable amount of air leakage, newer homes can be very air tight.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Some companies do use infrared technology.

Answer: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: It's a good service to offer.