The Value of a Rigorous Building Maintenance Routine
As temperatures climb and HVAC systems strain to keep up, the summer of safety kicks off—a crucial season for preventative maintenance and energy audits. From schools and commercial buildings to industrial facilities, staying ahead of costly failures starts with one essential habit: a rigorous maintenance routine powered by thermal imaging.
Air infiltration through recessed lighting.
Overloaded circuit board.
Why Thermal Imaging is the Cornerstone of Preventative Maintenance
Heating and cooling systems account for more than 50% of total building energy consumption. In summer, the strain on these systems escalates—and with it, the risk of breakdowns, inefficient operation, and skyrocketing utility bills. Traditional inspections rely on guesswork or surface-level checks. Thermal imaging cameras, however, deliver real-time insight into what’s happening behind walls, inside ductwork, and under the surface. By identifying heat loss, air leaks, overloaded electrical components, and moisture intrusion, thermal cameras empower teams to detect issues early—before they compromise safety or performance.
During a summer maintenance cycle, thermal inspections can help teams:
• Detect and address insulation gaps and degraded seals
• Verify HVAC system performance and airflow
• Identify hotspots in electrical panels and circuits
• Confirm energy loss through ducts, roofs, and windows
• Pinpoint moisture buildup that could lead to mold or structural damage
• Visualize energy losses
• Source air leaks
• Locate thermal bridges
Preparing Buildings for Heat, Humidity, & High Demand
1.
Missing Insulation
Locate insulation voids quickly by detecting and comparing temperature differences across the target area. These differences are easiest to see when there is a significant difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. So on a hot summer day, the thermal camera can show insulation voids that allow heat to seep in and stress HVAC systems that are already hard at work.
2.
Water Damage
Find hidden water damage quickly before small problems become big, expensive ones. And once they're fixed, document proof of your repairs. Moisture appears cool in thermal images, making it easy to spot. These cooler areas also change temperature much slower than dry materials around them.
3.
Air Leaks
Detect air leaks around windows, doors, and other structures. A thermal imaging camera will help you spot the characteristic patterns of hot air coming through seals or cracks in the construction. These types of leaks often go unseen for years, leading to higher energy bills.
4.
Electrical Problems
Finding hidden electrical problems, such as loose connections, is easy with a thermal imaging camera. Failing fuses and connections appear hot in thermal images, allowing you to pinpoint the source of the problem immediately and take quick action to make repairs.
5.
HVAC Problems
HVAC systems can function poorly due to loose connections in attics and ductwork, blocked condenser coils, leaks around air vents, and more. Thermal cameras reveal even subtle differences in temperature, making them powerful tools for a variety of HVAC applications.
6.
Mold & Rot
Water leaks and moisture in walls can cause structural damage, resulting in mold and wood rot. A thermal camera can help identify the source of leaks as well as help homeowners visualize the totality of the problem. Catching these issues early will help customers avoid expensive structural repairs and potential health issues.
Smart Tools for Smarter Inspections
FLIR has developed a range of purpose-built thermal imaging tools for building energy audits. These tools are trusted by contractors, facility managers, energy consultants, and even insurance and utility providers around the world.
FLIR C5
Pocket-sized thermal camera ideal for quick, in-field scans. Features Wi-Fi connectivity and cloud backup via FLIR Ignite, making it easy to capture and share inspection results with clients and teams.
FLIR Ex Pro-Series
High-resolution imaging with MSX® enhancement, 1-Touch Level/Span, and voice annotation. Ideal for comprehensive reporting and mid-to-large-scale inspections.
FLIR MR277™
Combines infrared imaging and moisture detection in a single unit—perfect for diagnosing both thermal inefficiencies and the underlying causes.
These devices can integrate seamlessly with FLIR's suite of software solutions:
FLIR Thermal Studio™ Suite
Thermal Studio helps standardize inspections by guiding technicians through predefined routes and generating consistent reports.
FLIR Meterlink® App
The Meterlink app lets you connect up to seven meters at once to remotely monitor electrical and environmental data in real time. It simplifies troubleshooting, trend analysis, and reporting—helping you stay safe, informed, and efficient on the job.
FLIR Ignite™
Ignite enables inspection results to be stored in the cloud and shared instantly with wider teams, eliminating information silos and loss of data and makes collaboration more efficient.
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