Energy test guide · verified October 12, 2026

Infrared scan: see where the insulation is missing and the air gets in

An infrared camera shows surface temperatures, so missing insulation and air leaks show up as warm or cold patches on walls and ceilings. It surveys a whole house quickly, but under the ASTM practices it’s a qualitative tool: it tells you where to look, and other checks confirm what’s there.

Hands holding an infrared camera aimed at a ceiling corner beside a frosty window; the screen shows a cold streak

Insulation practice

ASTM C1060-23

ASTM ↗

Air-leak practice

ASTM E1186-22

ASTM ↗

Pair it with

A blower door test

ASTM E1186 ↗

Typical cost

Not published

What the scan finds

ASTM C1060-23

Insulation in framed walls, ceilings, roofs and floors

A qualitative infrared inspection for missing, partial, poorly installed or damaged cavity insulation. Proof of missing insulation needs an independent check, such as looking inside.

Source: ASTM C1060-23 (updated Mar 16, 2023) ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

ASTM E1186-22

Air leak locations

Lists ways to find leaks: infrared scanning, smoke tracer, theatrical fog, anemometer, sound, bubble and tracer gas. Infrared surveys large areas fast. The building should be pressurized or depressurized, because leaks are hard to find under normal weather.

Source: ASTM E1186-22 (updated Oct 11, 2022) ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

What it looks like

A 1950s brick bungalow on a snowy suburban street at dusk, lamplight in the front window
The same bungalow as an infrared camera sees it: heat glowing around the door, window frames, eaves and the rim joist above the foundation
Illustration, not a measurement: the same house in visible light and as an infrared camera might show it on a cold night. Drag to compare.

How to get it done

DOE says many professional home energy assessments pair a blower door test with a thermographic scan. Ask for the scan to be done while the blower door holds the house under pressure, as ASTM E1186 describes.

What it costs: no official source publishes a price, so we don’t quote one. See what an audit costs for how audit pricing works.

Sources: DOE professional assessments ↗, ASTM E1186 ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

If the scan finds a problem

  • Suspected missing insulation: confirm it with a look inside the cavity, as ASTM C1060 requires for proof, then plan the fix against ENERGY STAR’s recommended levels in the attic insulation guide.
  • Air leaks: seal them, then retest with the blower door to see what changed.
  • Natural-draft gas, oil or propane appliances? DOE calls for combustion appliance zone testing during air sealing; see the combustion safety guide.

Sources: ASTM C1060 ↗, ENERGY STAR R-values ↗, DOE BASC, CAZ testing ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Common questions

Does an infrared scan prove insulation is missing?

Not on its own. ASTM C1060 treats the scan as a qualitative inspection and says proof of missing insulation needs an independent check, such as a visual inspection of the cavity.

Source: ASTM C1060-23 Thermographic Inspection of Insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Why should the blower door run during the scan?

ASTM E1186 says forced air leakage, pressurizing or depressurizing the building, is needed because leaks are hard to find under normal weather. The blower door does that.

Source: ASTM E1186-22 Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Is an infrared scan part of a standard energy audit?

Many are. DOE says many professional home energy assessments include a blower door test and a thermographic scan. Ask before you book.

Source: DOE Energy Saver ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

What does an infrared scan cost?

No official source publishes a price, so we don’t quote one. DOE says many professional assessments include a thermographic scan, so ask what’s included when you get quotes.

Source: DOE Energy Saver ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Sources

Every source below was opened and checked on October 12, 2026. A date in a source’s name is the “last updated” date shown on that page.

Which tests does my home need? → All tests Related: Blower door testRelated: Attic insulation check

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