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In this world of technical heating, it is extremely important to find the solution to eliminate energy losses inside and outside the home.
As a homeowner, you can save hundreds of dollars by being a professional while inspecting and checking your home or property.
Thermal runaways and energy losses are possible anywhere in and around the house, but find out where they are to fix the problem.
It not only provides you with a comfortable and energy-efficient home, but also reduces total energy loss and expensive bills.
We cannot see these insulations and heat leaks in the house with the naked eye. But thermal leak detectors help identify hot/cold spots in your property or home so you can take quick corrective action.
Now you know why building inspectors and contractors are preferredtermovisoresfor leak detection.
These thermal leak detection cameras can see pipes or pipes under the wall or behind the building to find leaks before they become a real problem.
Content
- Table: Best Thermal Imagers for Leak Detection
- The best thermal cameras for leak detection: 6 cameras in the test
- Why a thermal imager for leak detection
- Leak detection with thermographic camera
- How to choose the best thermal imaging camera for leak detection
Table: Best Thermal Imagers for Leak Detection
| PRODUCTS | PRODUCT NAME | MOISTURIZING PEN | OUR CLASSIFICATION |
|---|---|---|---|
 | FLIR C2 thermographic camera | mi | 5/5 |
| FLIR TG165 Thermal Imager | mi | 4,9/5 |
| Find the Reveal Thermal Imager | NO | 4,8/5 |
| FLIR E5 thermal imaging camera | NO | 4,7/5 |
| Locate compact thermoviewers | NO | 4,6/5 |
| BLACK+DECKER TLD100 camera | NO | 4,5/5 |
The best thermal cameras for leak detection: 6 cameras in the test
1. FLIR C2 Thermal Imager with MR40 Wetting Rod
The FLIR C2 has a convenient design that fits in any pocket or bag to help professional inspectors or homeowners who need to carry the camera around the house or building area during inspection.
It gives you temperature details in two ways: you can check it on the screen or listen to the audible details. Different sounds for different temperature ranges.
Specifications
- Operating temperature from 14°F to 302°F
- 80 x 60 pixel thermal sensor
- MSX image enhancement
- 3 inch screen
- 45° field of view
Thermal Camera Features
FLIR C2 uses MSX image enhancement technology to provide more detailed thermal images of problem areas.
This camera can capture up to 500 radiometric thermal images and each image has its own 4800 pixels to provide the user with accurate thermal data.
Temperature sensitivity ranges from 14 degrees Fahrenheit to 302 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for professionals. The thermal sensor of this thermal leak detection camera has a resolution of 80×60 (4,800 pixels).
It has an automatic shutdown feature to conserve device battery life when not in use. The MSX image enhancement method combines visible light and thermal imaging.
It incorporates the visible light image into the infrared (thermal) image to provide critical temperature difference values in real time.
The display is approximately 3 inches tall and wide enough to display the heat patterns of a room. You can use this to find hot spots and heat leaks added by leak detection.
It has a wide field of view of around 45 degrees, which is comparatively high compared to many of its type.
FLIR Tools software helps you change color palettes, analyze details, and access the camera to capture the full, undiluted thermal image. keep readingFLIR C2 Thermal Imager Review.
About the moisturizer
Moisturizing bar pins are easy to change and the durable outer cover is suitable for heavy-duty applications.
The good thing about this pen is its LED bulb, which works like a normal flashlight in total darkness.
Benefits
- wide field of vision
- big camera view
Disadvantages
- no big problems
2. FLIR TG165 Thermal Imager and Humidity Wand
Secondly, we have a compact thermal device unit with minimal but powerful components that will help more in the future.
You will receive a handy thermal imager and the standard moisturizing stick, neatly packaged in a protective waterproof case.
Thus, you can easily transport this device to your site or workplace.
Specifications
- Operating temperature -13°F to 716°F
- 80 x 60 pixel thermal sensor
- 9 Hz Bildwiederholfrequenz
- pantalla a color TFT
- 50° field of view
Thermal Camera Features
This compact TG165 thermal leak detection camera uses two laser dots to display a thermal image of the location or object being viewed.
It can measure 4-inch temperature details and the temperature sensitivity range is -13 degrees Fahrenheit to 716 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since it has such a wide temperature detection range, you can use this device to detect any area or object from home to car.
This local thermal imaging camera has a Lepton infrared image sensor with a resolution of 80 x 60 pixels.
With this sensor, you get crisp, clear thermal images for detailed investigation, meaning you or your customer will know the exact causes of air leaks and heat loss.
The TG165 thermal imager has a 9 Hz refresh rate. It has a handle, so there is no chance of blurry or choppy images.
It has a 50-degree field of view that allows it to scan a wide area in a single scan and provide a large image of thermal signatures.
This device has a TFT color screen with three color palettes like iron, gray and rainbow. So you can see different aspects of the thermal image with these color palettes.
The TG165 is designed to be a compact and portable thermal imager with a large center trigger for ease of use.
The other buttons on the device are power back on, the OK menu, and two arrow keys. This intuitive control requires no training to access. keep readingTG165 Thermal Imager Reviews.
About the moisturizer
The FLIR TG165 uses the same MR40 wetting stick as the C2. It has interchangeable pens, LCD screen, automatic shutdown, on / off button and bidirectional indicators. The operating temperature of this pen is -10°C to 50°C. It is resistant to a fall of 3 meters.
Benefits
- pantalla a color TFT
- auto power off
Disadvantages
- No MSX image enhancement technology common to most FLIR models.
3. Find the thermal imager
The Seek Reveal thermal camera fits in your pocket with all the customizable settings and benefits.
The best thing about this thermal imager is that you can choose your preferred lighting conditions, imaging options, and power consumption.
This full-featured thermal imager allows you to not only capture thermal images, but also store, share and transmit them, depending on the intended use. This makes this camera suitable for leak detection in the home.
Specifications
- Operating temperature -40°F to 626°F
- 206 x 156 pixel thermal sensor
- 300 lumen LEDs
- LCD and núcleos
- 36° field of view
Thermal Camera Features
This device is comfortable to hold as it has an ergonomic handle and a heads-up display.
It has a 36 degree field of view to scan inside the room and quickly identify potential problems. Sensitivity temperature detection ranges from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 626 degrees Fahrenheit.
The recorded thermal images are stored directly on the device's SD card for later use.
This thermal leak detection camera has a rechargeable battery that can last for 10 hours, so you can use it for long-term inspections.
This thermal imager's impressive color LCD screen displays everything you see, so you don't miss a thing.
This water leak detection thermal imaging camera has another quality feature that it can see both day and night, which means you can use this device in extreme daylight conditions to complete dark nights.
Seek Reveal features a 300 lumen LED light to clearly see your surroundings when it's too dark.
This makes it applicable to hunters, electricians and common people. This thermal imaging camera offers the latest in water leak detection.
Benefits
- sensitivity to high temperatures
- Easy to use menu control
Disadvantages
- There is no option to adjust emissivities and record video.
4. FLIR E5 Thermal Camera
FLIR E5 has a strong and robust construction with a light weight to pride itself as the perfect inspection tool.
As we know FLIR is one of the best thermal imaging camera brands that offers promising thermal imaging devices, this E5 is also one of those durable and accurate results.Thermographic cameras for home inspections, leak detection, hunting, etc.
Specifications
- Operating temperature -4°F to 482°F
- 120 x 90 pixel thermal sensor
- 4 hours of operation
- 3 inch LCD screen
- 45°x34° field of view
Characteristics of thermal imaging cameras
It has a thermal sensor with a resolution of 120 x 90 pixels. FLIR Ideal MSX imaging technology is used to enhance the image, combining thermal and visible light imaging for a more detailed image.
MSX helps locate common problems such as power loss, water leaks, heating circuits, hot spots, and other structural defects.
For all kinds of mechanical, industrial or electrical problems, you can count on this FLIR E5 Thermal Water Leak Detection Camera.
The local thermal imaging camera's temperature sensitivity range is -4°F to 482°F, so you can use itThermal imaging camera for electrical inspectionsindeed. It has a 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 320 x 240.
The refresh rate possible with this thermal imager is around 9 Hz. It is Wi-Fi capable to transfer the stored files to other devices.
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides 4 hours of continuous use. It has a wide 45 x 34 degree field of view that covers almost everything in the onscreen scene.
This thermal imager does not require any special training for its use. They are very easy to use and have easy to use on-screen menu controls with ergonomic buttons so you can operate them with just one hand.
This device has another amazing feature which is the downloadable FLIR mobile app.
With this app, you can share the images and reports anywhere and anytime with a tablet, laptop or smartphone.
Therefore, any contractor or inspector can send real-time temperature details from the job site to the client or company.
With this thermal imager, you get FLIR reporting software tools, a lithium-ion battery, USB cable, battery charger, user manual, and software for Mac and PC.
Benefits
- Share and stream wirelessly
- High resolution infrared sensor
Disadvantages
- For a professional leak search in a huge building, 4 hours of battery life may not be enough.
5. Look for a compact thermal imager
Are you looking for a compact thermal imager for leak detection in the home? Then the Seek compact thermal imager is the best choice.
This water leak detection thermal imager has a robust structure and can be connected directly to your smartphone. These thermal imaging cameras are charged by the phone's battery and use the phone's screen to display translated thermal radiation.
Specifications
- Operating temperature -40°F to 626°F
- 206 x 156 pixel thermal sensor
- 9 Hz Bildwiederholfrequenz
- 3 inch LCD screen
- 36° field of view
Characteristics of thermal imaging cameras
It has a 36-degree field of view that is wide enough to use for close-ups indoors and outdoors, allowing you to spot anything 300 meters away with this camera.
With temperature detection ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 626 degrees Fahrenheit, this camera can detect home leaks and insulation loss.
The compact Seek has a 206 x 156 pixel thermal sensor that turns the smartphone into a thermal imager.
It has a 9Hz refresh rate and a 36-degree field of view, which is wide enough to detect indoor water leaks and power leaks. You chose to choose one of 9 color palettes to project a thermal image.
thermal imagingThe technology of this camera also identifies overheated circuits, hot/cold spots in a fire. Due to its multifunctional features, the owners have customized this device to save energy and cost.
It has a focused lens that helps you get fine thermal images. This feature is used for the benefit of professionals like building auditors, inspectors, contractors, etc.
This coveted thermal imager is also used to detect animals or people in total darkness, giving you peace of mind when using it.Thermal imaging camera for hunting trips.
This device comes with a waterproof case so you can take it anywhere and use it in any weather.
However, most of the time, you won't want to remove this camera from your phone, even if you have to move it from one place to another because it weighs so little. Sometimes you don't even feel like you're connected.
Detect IR energy and display the thermal signature of objects using more than 32,000 thermal pixels on the smartphone screen.
Benefits
- Large detection area
- multifunctional properties
Disadvantages
- Seek Imager requires your smartphone to accept power consumption.
6. BLACK+DECKER TLD100 thermal leak detector
Black + Decker is one of the biggest names in the manufacture of household and industrial power tools. B&D products promise high-quality and durable design. So you can't go wrong with the TLD100 either.
Being from a well-known manufacturer, you can expect high-end features and functionality from this leak detector. It is the cheapest thermal imager on our list.
Specifications
- Operating temperature -22°F to 302°F
- LED lights for hot/cold spots
- 9V alkaline battery
- LCD screen
- 3 adjustable temperature settings
Characteristics of thermal imaging cameras
This thermal water leak detection camera is technically a heat gun that can detect temperature differences.
The design is simple and uncluttered, providing effective sources of heat loss and leak detection.
In a split second, you'll know how to use this device to trace energy loss and leak sources in a room.
A great choice for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts!
The thermal sensitivity detection range is -22 degrees Fahrenheit to 302 degrees Fahrenheit, and it displays the detailed thermal pattern of objects on the large LCD screen.
There are three adjustable temperature settings on the device, e.g. B. 1, 5 or 10 degrees Celsius. The radiant light changes color depending on the temperature. When it's hot it's red and when it's cold it's blue.
This thermal leak detector is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a simple, inexpensive device that provides the hot/cold spot thermal pattern without any complexity.
For the budget and precise thermal device, this TLD100 Infrared Water Leak Detector wouldn't be a bad choice.
You just want to identify the area and look around the room or house for leaks and heat loss.
But for other applications like hunting or capturing animals in hidden areas, this thermal imager doesn't fit like other industrial grade devices.
This is not an all-in-one device, the sole purpose of this leak detector is to help homeowners identify sources of leaks and make their home energy efficient.
Benefits
- LED light indicator
- LCD screen
Disadvantages
- There are no color palettes or image enhancement technologies.
Why a thermal imager for leak detection
Thermal imaging technology measures even small changes in temperature due to humidity.
More complicated or advanced tools project a color image, but these and the monochrome layers show the darker wet areas. This is not enough to eliminate leakage problems.
However, it is not difficult to identify wet spots, but you cannot always find where the water is escaping from.
Once you find the wet area on the roof, you need to find out what is causing this leak. This could be due to a hole in the ceiling or a leak in the pipes above.
If the wet area in the basement is visible, water could seep through the floor or through a window or break through the walls.
A thermal imaging camera can help in these situations to find the exact origin of the water leaks.
Home inspection thermal cameras not only detect the source of leaks, but as a building inspector you must use your tool to find the moisture in any room.
Most of the time, there is no evidence of moisture invasion until it becomes a serious problem. But thermal leak detection finds them early and saves the owner money.
Anyone can find roof leaks with an infrared water leak detector.
Leak detection with thermographic camera
A better thermal imager for water leaks can even detect behind walls or hidden plumbing areas using one of two methods:
1)Moisture trapped in an area appears cooler than its surroundings.
2)In a heated room, humidity takes a long time to cool down, so the thermal imager can measure this higher temperature and color it accordingly.
Thermal imaging cameras for water leaks
With an infrared water leak detector, you can detect water leaks in your home or property in just a few steps.
Paso 1:
Turn on the thermal imager and set the temperature sensitivity range. This value is based on the indoor temperature and the outdoor ambient temperature. The selected range must cover the maximum and minimum natural temperature and adapt to the difference.
Paso 2:
Start scanning the room at one wall and continue your work the length of the room, ending at the ceiling. Be careful when scanning windows and bathrooms.
Depending on the ambient conditions, the water in the wall will be colder or hotter than the normal temperature of the construction materials used. If you use the camera with a color screen, you will get temperature fluctuations in an image with different colors.
Stage 3:
If you suspect the water leak is coming from the plumbing, turn on the water supply to that area. If you suspect a roof leak, you will need to use a thermal imaging camera when it rains.
Stage 4:
Focus on suspected leak points and look at the thermal image. The variation in water temperature is due to the evaporation process.
A winding temperature difference found in the blanket is a good sign of water leakage. A temperature difference measured under the windows and at the bottom of the wall structure is also a good indicator of leakage.
Paso 5:
Use the moisture meter to confirm the moisture in the wall. You must set the meter for the type of wall and place it against the wall. If you notice a moisture content of 18% or higher, that's a problem.
Thermographic cameras for air leaks
Using a thermal imaging camera to find the source of air leaks requires little additional correction other than finding insulation problems.
To force airflow through cracks and holes in the wall, the air pressure must be changed from the inside to the outside.
Warmer or cooler air flowing from outside into the room through cracks and holes can be located using a thermal imager and the inspector has found the sources of these air leaks.
With the blower door system, you can force air into a room through holes and cracks. This process creates the perfect conditions for airflow at the leak points and these points are displayed on a thermal image.
You can use household exhaust fans and ventilation systems instead of a blower to create similar conditions and collect leak information.
areas to check
Before checking for air leaks, it is important to decide which areas to inspect in order to complete the process on time. An infrared camera is helpful in knowing where to start looking for air leaks.
With the blower port test, you can feel the air escaping with your hand. In cold climates, points of insufficient insulation may be seen due to the change in temperature in these specific areas.
Building inspectors can start their search with light fixtures, basement rim joists, windows and doors, plumbing, kitchen sofas, basement doors, etc. or any suspicion of water or air leakage or the location where the insulation is missing.
How to choose the best thermal imaging camera for leak detection
Now that you understand the importance and need for a leak detection thermal imager, you need to decide which model of thermal imager is right for your job.
Budget
If you are looking for the infrared water leak detector for personal use and not daily use, there are a few for you to choose from.cheap thermal imaging camerawhich would provide basic thermal detection and imaging.
Otherwise, for professional use as a construction surveyor, you need accurate results and sharp images; You should expect high-end thermal imaging cameras with high resolution, sensitivity, and durability to be adequate for regular use.
to use
Think about where you will use this device. Those who need to work in a variety of environments and locations need a strong, robust and durable thermal imager with decent drop protection.
custom report
Homeowners won't be looking for this feature, but for service providers it's unavoidable. They need to present the final report to their clients, so the camera with sharing and reporting software would be a good choice for them.
Intuitive and easy to use
While the devices have advanced features and functions, they must be easy to use.
The intuitive menu controls and buttons on the device will be useful to homeowners and professionals alike.
As an inspector, look for the big screen camera to know the exact condition without guessing.
durability
AThermal cameraThe contractor's unit must be resistant to wear and tear and withstand aggressive treatment. Buying it for your home for occasional use will save you money and buy cheap basic thermal leak detectors.
precision
A quality thermal sensor is essential to obtain a clear and accurate temperature reading in any application. To do this, you need to choose a thermal imager with high thermal sensitivity, so as not to miss defects that can lead to energy losses in the future.
Additional functions
If you want moisture content data, a wetting pen is essential. Most leak detection thermal imagers have this pin included in their unit.
A thermal camera with a laser pointer shows you exactly where the camera is pointing. It is important when looking for hidden tubes.
In addition to the ambient temperature, humidity is another important data. A thermographic camera with a humidity sensor can tell you if the humidity is normal or higher. This is also considered evidence of moisture on the ceiling or wall.
Leak detection thermal imaging cameras are available in all price ranges, so you as an owner or contractor no longer have to worry about finding leaks in hidden places.
Thermal leak detection not only saves energy sources, but also the money the homeowner has to spend on damages due to hidden water or air leaks.