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Do you a) want to save money on your heating bills, b) make your home greener, and c) enact a childhood fantasy where you have future-vision like the Terminator? Of course you do.
Thermal imaging is a hi-tech method you can use to detect where you're losing most of the heat in your home. And since 35% of heat loss comes from unwanted air leakage, using thermal imaging will help you pinpoint exactly where that's occurring.
The usual suspects are poorly sealed windows and doors, drafty attics, chimneys, and wall vents. But unless you want to rely on a hunch, or simply insulate where it seems drafty, thermal imaging is one surefire way to peg down the cooling culprits. Thermal imaging cameras pick up patterns of heat loss that the human eye can't see—it looks sort of like the blurry, undulating red-to-blue screenshots from the cyborg's perspective in any given sci-fi movie.
Check out this thermal imaging photo gallery for a better idea of how the process works.
In order to get a-thermal imagin', you'll first need access to an infrared thermal image camera. Don't have one of those lying around? You can rent one online at sites like Atlas, or hire a home renovation or energy efficiency expert that uses thermal imaging. Be forewarned—it's not cheap. But knowing exactly where you're experiencing heat loss will save you money in the long run.
Plus, you'll have the option of uttering "I'll be back" when you run to grab the tape measure you left in the car, even if it is only under your breath.
More on Greening Your Home
How to Go Green : Home Electronics
How to Go Green : Home Renovation
12 Ways to Green Your Home for Winter: What Gives You the Most . . .
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