There are other companies that offer thermal imaging with their energy audit process. It can be hard enough to select an energy auditor, but how do you differentiate between those who offer infrared thermography? Asking these questions will ensure that you find a qualified company.
Questions to Ask a Thermographer / Energy Auditor
What is the resolution of your infrared camera?
Ask yourself this question. Would you want your family vacation photos taken with a 2 megapixel camera or a 10 megapixel camera? The answer is obvious, and you should ensure the auditor is using a high resolution camera as well. Green Summit Consulting uses 320 x 240 resolution cameras. Resolution is a key factor because it determines image clarity of the component being inspected. A clearer picture will allow the auditor to make a more accurate diagnosis about possible defects. For instance, our infrared cameras (320 x 240) have more than 5 times the clarity of a camera with 120 x 120 resolution and 4 times the clarity of a camera with 160 x 120 resolution. There is a big difference, so be sure to ask.
What is the thermal sensitivity of your infrared camera?
Infrared cameras are designed to highlight temperature differences (i.e. take a thermal picture). As the sensitivity of the camera is lowered, the capability of the camera to 'see' defects is increased. Green Summit Consulting uses cameras with a sensitivity of 0.07.
What is your level of training? Where did you obtain your training? What was the duration of your training class? Did it include real-world field training?
Are you licensed to use the only patented infrared inspection protocols for homes?
Green Summit Consulting's affiliation with HomeSafe Inspection Inc. allows usage of six (6) patented infrared protocols approved by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Click HERE for more info.
How many jobs utilizing infrared technology have you conducted?
Green Summit's personnel have performed over a thousand infrared inspections.
Are the infrared photos on your website from audits actually conducted by your company or were they provided in the marketing materials of your camera's manufacturer?
All of the images shown on Green Summit Consulting's website were captured during energy audits we actually performed.
Do you charge an extra fee for the use of an infrared thermal imaging camera during an audit?
Green Summit's fees for energy audits include an infrared thermal imaging scan.
