Replies

1. 
   sandalboy | Jan 22, 2008 09:39am | #1

   Maybe, but it would depend on the price though. Unfortunately for you there are already people doing this though. Look under thermal imaging companies. They tend to be focused more towards electrical equipment and flat roof leaks, but probably most will do your house if you ask. Other companies that do home energy audits probably do this along with blower door tests.

   The equipment has come down enough in price in the last few years that anyone could get into this business though. Thermal cameras with resolution good enough for looking at house leaks are available for well under $5000 bucks now. High resolution equipment that is calibrated for accurate temperature readings still can be tens of thousands of dollars, and would be overkill for this.

   A contractor carrying one of these cameras would have the opportunity to try to sell the imaging service at every job that he's already at though. It seems that would give him the advantage over the established imaging only companies.

   If you really are interested in getting a thermal camera, learn a little about the different brands and models. Then keep looking on ebay or this classifieds http://www.irtalk.com/forums/7/ShowForum.aspx Most cameras don't hold their value that well, which makes used cameras a relative bargain.

1. 
   Underwood76 | Sep 25, 2015 09:34am | #2

   As for the price issues...

   As for the price issues. I do trust the FLIR brand and been looking for their C2 for a while. What I personally love about this model is the size, MSX function and the price - ONLY 700 bucks! Moreover, I found it even cheaper on best line supply! $658 for this handy kid! Hope this can help -

   http://bestlinesupply.com/product/flir-c2

   Enjoy

2. 
   Underwood76 | Sep 25, 2015 09:34am | #3

   As for the price issues...

   As for the price issues. I do trust the FLIR brand and been looking for their C2 for a while. What I personally love about this model is the size, MSX function and the price - ONLY 700 bucks! Moreover, I found it even cheaper on best line supply! $658 for this handy kid! Hope this can help -

   http://bestlinesupply.com/product/flir-c2

   Enjoy

1. 
   DanH | Sep 25, 2015 12:38pm | #4

   Probably a great camera for taking a picture of this:

   View Image

2. 
   renosteinke | Oct 17, 2015 02:23pm | #5

   Licensing?

   First, the service is often available for free through the local utility companies. They actually seem to want you to save energy.

   As a business, you will need multiple licenses or certifications. For homes, that means a 'home inspector' ticket. For industrial uses, that means certification by the manufacturer, as well as (probably) trade and contractor licensing.

   Otherwise, I'd be amazed if the cameras were not available for rental.

   Personally, I like the one marketed by Ideal.

1. 
   renosteinke | Oct 21, 2015 07:35pm | #6

   Info Update

   The tool rental houses do not rent out IR cameras, for the most part.

   SOME Home Depot rental centers do.

   At least one internet vendor offers rental at $150 / day.

   Energy audit firms suggested by the power company - they offer a substantial rebate - want a good deal more than the rebate to make a survey- at least in my area. Were I near a major city, things might be more affordable.

   At least two firms - SEEK and FLIR - make IR cameras that plug into your smart phone. Cost is about $260, and there's a significant baclog of orders.