As a homeowner, you'll have to deal with unexpected leaks and electrical problems on your property. However, these issues can now be mitigated or prevented by using thermal imaging or an infrared camera. Many appliances or systems in your home will use more energy than usual when they are malfunctioning, creating a specific heat signature that can be seen with IR cameras. Home inspectors will use thermal imaging to detect these problem areas in your house, and below is a guide to what they might find.

1. Ceiling Stains

Thermal imaging can identify water leaks before they create stains or cause structural damage to your ceiling. The image captured by the camera will show purple, dark blue, and black areas, which may indicate moisture buildup. 

2. Mold in Walls

IR cameras can help detect moisture in walls due to high humidity and water leaks, which may indicate mold growth inside your walls. Mold can cause many health problems, such as skin and throat irritation, so it is best to tackle the issue promptly.

3. Collapsed Glass

In an infrared camera, if a dark blue circle appears at the center of a pane of glass, it will often be classified as collapsed glass. This reduces the space between the panels, thus reducing the window’s insulating qualities. This will allow hot and cold air to escape and enter your home, resulting in higher utility costs.

4. Electrical Problems

Home inspectors can detect potential electrical issues such as overheating, faulty terminal wires, and breaker problems through IR cameras. Although electrical equipment usually is warm, a reading with an abnormally high current flow and resistance implies impending damage.

5. Insulation Problems

Thermal cameras can identify heat leaks and missing or improperly installed insulation materials, which can affect cooling or heating efficiencies. For example, they can immediately spot the difference between insulated and non-insulated walls, which can affect the room-to-room sound transfer and temperature.


Ensure that your home is free from leaks, mold, and electrical and insulation issues by having your home inspected with an IR camera. Inspect Hawaii in Honolulu, HI, are experts in uncovering problems in a wide range of areas, including garage structures and HVAC systems. They use high-tech equipment, such as infrared cameras for thermal imaging and drones for roof inspections, to assess potential hazards in your home before they become serious issues. Contact them online or call (808) 330-2302 to have your building inspected.