Glossary · Testing & air leaks
Infrared (thermal) imaging
Also called: infrared scan · infrared imaging · thermal imaging · thermography · thermographic inspection · infrared thermography
Using a heat-sensing camera to show warm and cold spots on walls and ceilings, revealing missing insulation and air leaks.
What it means
An infrared camera shows surface temperatures as colors, so cold streaks around a window or a dark patch on a ceiling can point to air leaks, missing insulation or wet materials. Scans work best when it's much colder (or hotter) outside than inside and are often done while a blower door test exaggerates the leaks. The camera shows symptoms; the auditor still has to confirm the cause.
Why it matters in an audit
It pinpoints where to air seal and insulate, and it lets you check that a contractor's work actually filled the gaps.