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

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: When it comes to home inspections, the tools used play a significant role in the accuracy and efficiency of the task. Many inspectors might opt to use infrared technology to detect air leaks. However, this might not be the most effective approach. Infrared technology can indeed identify temperature variations, but it may not accurately pinpoint the exact location of an air leak. Furthermore, it might not differentiate between subtle temperature changes, causing potential air leaks to be overlooked. A more effective tool for this task is the thermal camera. Thermal cameras can detect and visualize temperature differences in the air or on surfaces with greater precision. They can identify variations between cold, warm, and hot temperatures, which can be crucial in detecting air leaks. By displaying these variations visually, thermal cameras allow inspectors to locate potential air leaks more accurately and quickly, thereby increasing the efficiency of their work. Ground Zero Home Inspection understands the importance of using the right tools for the job. That's why they equip their inspectors with thermal cameras for detecting air leaks. This not only allows them to do their work correctly but also enhances their efficiency, ensuring that homeowners receive a comprehensive and accurate assessment of their property. So when you choose Ground Zero Home Inspection, you can be confident that you're choosing a service that uses the necessary tools and technology to deliver high-quality results.

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, not usually
Explanation: Infrared technology is a specialty service that has its own certification.

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: No, not usually
Explanation: We use Infrared Technology as the situation arises.

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: No, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared technology is normally not part of a normal home inspection, but can be added as an additional charge.

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, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Energy efficiency is outside the scope of a home inspection. Pointing out obvious problem areas, such as minimal attic insulation or older windows and doors should be included.

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, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: i do not use the camera unless there is a big red flag on insulation and air movement.

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, not usually
Explanation: Some do

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: Some inspection sev espana offer for additional fee.

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: Infrared technology is a great tool but is not usually part of a home inspection. Home inspectors that are using Infrared usually charge for the service due to the expense of the training and cost of the proper equipment. Air leakage test are usually done as part of a home energy audit.

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, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared scanning is not part of a standard home inspection.

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: This is a newer aspect of home inspections and not generally included as part of the basic home inspection. We offer it as an additional inspection, for an additional charge.

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: Not at this time

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: This is not usually provided in a standard inspection.

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: most do not have the technology

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: Yes
Explanation: Infrared (IR) or thermography inspections are great for detecting moisture, missing insulation and air leakage especially when used in conjunction with a "blower door". There is an additional charge for this added service.

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: Energy audit is an specialty inspection and it's not part of the comprehensive home inspection.

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 photography is a specialized type of inspections and the inspector who uses it should be certified and have the appropriate level of training and education.

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: We use infrared technology for finding moisture and other defects. Air leakage is usually part of a energy audit

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, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: Infrared is not typically included in a home inspection.

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: The inspector should have training in infrared technology before using to inspect a house system. This is an should be an additional fee.

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: Thermal imaging can be used to indicate deficiencies in insulation at an additional fees.

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, not usually
Explanation: this is usually in an energy audit.

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: Ask questions of what is included in an inspection, lead paint testing, radon, water quality, septic inspection, heat efficiency etc are all extra services for additional fees

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, but it can be done for additional charge
Explanation: I do perform Infrared (Thermal) Inspections for an additional fee.

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.

Answer: No, not usually
Explanation: Home inspections are visual. It is beyond the scope to use infrared. Generally old homes were built without wall insulation so they do leak. Fancy equipment isn't needed to determine that. A water leak inside the wall would have other less technical evidence like wet or stained drywall.