There is a fundamental fact of physics that energy wants to move from warm to cold.
This flow of energy is largely the reason why we consume energy for heating or cooling our homes.
Thermal, or infrared, imaging uses ‘infra’ Latin meaning ‘below’ and ‘red’
which is the longest wavelength of the visible light spectrum. In other words,
infrared wavelengths are ‘below’ that of red light.(Infrared was first discovered
by Sir William Herschel, an amateur astronomer, in the early 19th Century.
Sir William is famous for the discovery of Uranus in 1781.)
Infrared is a section, or “band” of invisible light found on the electromagnetic
spectrum. It’s a form of radiant heat that can also be called “infrared” energy.
About 80% of the sun’s rays actually fall in this part of the spectrum.
Thermal imaging measures surface temperatures and is used to distinguish warm
from cold surfaces. This can be helpful locating the ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ areas of walls,
ceilings and floors.
Home Energy Consultants trained and experienced using thermal imaging to identify
the ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ surfaces which can be an indication of where energy travels faster
to the outside in winter and in the other direction during summer months.