Thermal Imaging Analysis for Heat Loss

wazza69

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a company to undertake an analysis of the thermal efficiency of our house? In particular, to come around and do thermal imaging combined with a through manual inspection to identify areas of heat loss in a written report with recommendations on how to address problem areas.

We have just bought a new larger 1987 detached property and are finding it really cold. I would really like a hit list of things to address as I really hate cold houses. Some of it is obvious but I am pretty sure there are more hidden issues as well (seals on windows, some parts of the eves may not be properly insulated etc)

Any recommendations/stories would be really welcome

Thanks

Ionkontrol

In true MSE style, hire some kit and DIY.

http://www.livingston.co.uk/

wazza69

Haha, thanks for the link. Probably need some analysis skills I would have thought but welcome others experiences

fluffymuffy

Most heat is lost through draughts. Pick a windy day and go round with a candle.

Johnandabby

Having used a thermal imaging camera before myself, it's definitely something that requires experience. I found I got lots of false readings, and it really only works when it's cold outside and on a cloudy night. You can only really do it properly at about 2am on a winter's night, which is not most people's idea of a fun night out!

A candle sounds like a good idea. Alternatively you could get a company to undertake an air test - this artificially creates a higher pressure inside, which then forces the air out through cracks and holes. If you walk around inside when the test is being done you can easily locate any major air leakage routes, and get advice on how to seal them.

phill99

Surely you are over complicating things. A 1987 detached house is essentially a box with (typically) poor insulation.

Any thermal imaging will tell you what you already know: insulate the loft (270mm), get cavity wall insulation and ensure you are draught free. Beyond that there is little you can do interns of insulation.

You need to also make sure the supply side of the equation is efficient ie the actual heating system. It may be an old system that needs renewing or just a good servicing. I would have thought investing in these obvious areas would be more cost effective than a man with a thermal imaging camera.

andydiysaver

do yourself a favour and save thousands


type the word "pyrometer" into ebay and realise that starting at about 9.99 you can have this technology - it does exactly what you need


if you wanna get technical on it go here http://www.grainger.com/content/qt-370-infrared-thermometers


they do exactly what you want. they tell you the cold surfaces. you can increase accuracy infinitely by taking more and more readings, zone in on the cold surfaces, take action, save money - starting with the grand or two you saved on not having the pretty picture


all the best
Andy

andydiysaver

if you wanted to really go to town, you could get an excel spreadsheet, use conditional formatting, program a cell range for an area (example only) from blue at zero or below, orange at 15, red at 20 etc, that kind of thing, then do the picture of your area and bang in your area readings et voila, thermal imaging on the bloody cheap!

nickj_2

andydiysaver wrote: »

if you wanted to really go to town, you could get an excel spreadsheet, use conditional formatting, program a cell range for an area (example only) from blue at zero or below, orange at 15, red at 20 etc, that kind of thing, then do the picture of your area and bang in your area readings et voila, thermal imaging on the bloody cheap!

or you could just look at the obvious , there are only 3 escape from - roof, walls, windows -as phil has stated you know heat rises so insulating the loft is the first /cheapest thing to do that will stop heat loss , then look at the walls , are they in good order , are they insulated , -windows and doors , if not double glazed or upvc are they draft proof , if not fit draft excluders , any air vents can have a cover put over the top to prevent a breeze coming in , so that really only leaves the glass in the windows , if you want to put in triple glazing that is an option

carefullycautious

Surely you have to factor in whether or not you live in a built up area or are open to the elements.

I lived in a GF Flat backing onto open fields and boy was it freezing in winter, especially if the wind was bad. However, a neighbour further up the road had houses and high hedges and was as warm as toast in her flat.

Is there such a thing as a warm detached house though?

MoneyMate

Try rated People
http://www.ratedpeople.com/?gclid=CIP3rpm3xLsCFQHHtAodnW0Aaw