Until recent years infrared imagining was priced beyond the average homeowner or small business person. Thanks to technology that uses an iPhone, iPad or Android phone or tablet, as the basic computer to operate the camera. Two companies make inexpensive, high quality IR cameras that plug into your camera or smart phone. These cameras by FLIR and Seek Thermal cost from $250-500.
A home owner or small business person might find many uses for IR imaging. While inspecting your own home or building you might use IR imaging to find leaks or moisture accumulation in walls or floors. You can check electrical boxes, fixtures and surfaces for overheating, the temperature of a wood stove pipe can alert you to creosote buildup that can cause chimney fires, the amount of mineral build up in a water heater shows diminishing efficiency, air leaks that waste energy and make your environment uncomfortable can be identified and use IR imaging for many other uses.
Seek has much better infrared definition, but FLIR One has a regular camera, as well as, IR. The IR image is overlaid on the regular image giving a good combined image that reveals many details IR alone can’t.
FLIR One has a built in rechargeable battery that has a fairly short life. I always carry a power stick for emergencies. THis solution works well. The Seek cameras use the phone battery giving it a much longer working time.
The Seek comes in three models for IOS and Android – Compact $249, CompactXR $299 and CompactPRO $499. FLIR One has two models for Android and IOS – FLIR One Pro LT $299 and FLIR One Pro $399.
These easy top operate cameras make it possible for individuals to own and use high quality infrared technology.