A Guide to Thermal Imaging Surveys
A thermal imaging survey uses a special infrared camera to visualise temperatures in your home. It will reveal hidden air leaks and cold spots.
Thermal Imaging Surveys are out of season right now. They are only available during October to April.
Thermal imaging makes the invisible, visible. The infrared camera detects heat, and the images illustrate how it moves around your home. Areas of high heat loss are cooled and show up in blue & black. From outside, warm spots shown in red & white show where insulation isn’t being effective.
It’s great at showing where warm air is escaping and can highlight affordable ways to improve your energy efficiency. It will also pick up hidden issues, like degraded or poorly installed insulation, defective pipework and leaks, that wouldn’t otherwise be visible.
This guide will help you decide if a thermal imaging survey is right for you.
A thermal imaging survey is right for you if…
• You want an affordable assessment that highlights DIY improvements you can make
But, a thermal imaging survey may not be ideal if…
• You want advice on bigger measures, like wall insulation or heat pumps
Not sure what kind of assessment you need? Read on for more in-depth advice. You can also call or email our team for free advice on where to start.
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View Assessment ProvidersWhat to expect from a thermal imaging survey
During a thermal imaging survey, your home is inspected – inside and out – with a thermal imaging camera. The whole process can take 1-3 hours, depending on the size of your house.
The assessor is looking for abnormal temperature signals. This could be because of poor insulation, thermal bridging, or an unwanted air leakage. It’s the camera and the assessor’s understanding of construction that makes it powerful.
Thermal imaging relies on a temperature difference between inside and outside the house. It only works in cooler weather, during the autumn & winter months when there is an indoor/outdoor temperature difference of 8-10°C. It isn’t an option all year round. An air tightness assessment might be a good alternative in the warmer months.
It’s worth checking how the assessor will share energy advice. This could be a report with infrared images from the survey and technical advice notes. Some providers will give advice during the assessment. In that case, you will be expected to join the assessor on the survey. You may also be provided with a recording afterwards as well.
Not sure about thermal imaging or insulation? Ask our trusted professionals’ advice for free on our forum.
Alternative option: Air tightness assessments
Air tightness assessments are an alternative to thermal imaging surveys. It can help find out where air is escaping from your home. And, they can be undertaken all year round, not just when it’s cold outside. But they won’t be able to spot hidden issues with insulation or your home’s fabric. Learn more about air tightness assessments.
