Any fans of Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures or the other shows will be familiar with the FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera. These are used to visually detect different temperatures in an area or on an object.
I have used a few different types in my years as a maintenance tech and as a volunteer firefighter. These are two areas where the technology is the same but the packaging is different. The one we used in the fire service was black and white ( and 50 shades of gray ) and was built to handle the heat. Colors were not a concern it was mostly “If it’s white put water on it”.
Insurance companies should really consider some donations or supplementing the cost of these cameras. They can be used to reduce the amount of water used on a fire as well as the amount of area that needs to be pulled apart to confirm the fire is out.
On one occasion we were called to a home that had been built about 10 years early and was completely finished on the main floor and the basement. The couple had seen some smoke coming out of the eaves and called us to take a look. Normally we would have pulled down the drywall on the main floor and part of the ceiling in the basement to find the concern and make sure it was out. Instead, we used the Thermal Imaging Camera to find the hot spot in the wall. After checking a few areas inside and out and down in the basement we removed a piece of drywall about 24″ x 24″ and found a wire that had a nail put through it when the house was built. we turned off the breaker, isolated the wire, checked the area with the Thermal Imaging Camera and everything was great.
In that instance alone there was enough money saved from the reduced amount of drywall removed and no water damage to pay for the Thermal Imaging Camera.
This camera is not made for the high heat environment of firefighting but the benefits of its uses would more than pay for it. Just one trip around the house finds leaky windows, gaps in the insulation, water leaks and receptacle problems.
Order one of these now by clicking the link. Once you finish checking your house you can charge your neighbors a few dollars each to check theirs and you will have it paid off in no time.
If you have any comments please post them below.
Ken
