Thermography, a.k.a. the capture, display, and analysis of images in the infrared, or heat portion, of the spectrum, is useful for diagnosing electrical thermal problems, energy paths and consumption in buildings, solar power systems, domestic cold or hot water leaks, and cooling and radiant heating systems. ECL offers local thermal studies & related services at 150$ for the first hour and 90$/ea. add'l hour. Travel time beyond 15 minutes is charged.

Hot electronic components suffer reduced reliability and shortened lifespans. A frequently used rule of thumb is that the lifetime of a cpu is doubled for every 10 degrees Celsius that the operating temperature can be lowered. ECL uses thermal inspections and know-how to locate problem areas, and either modify, reorient or relocate the system to significantly reduce the temperature, increasing the reliability and lifespan while simultaneously reducing the fire hazard.

Thermal imaging is useful for spotting potential electrical wiring problems and associated fire hazards, and for rapidly locating pipes hidden in concrete or in walls, making it a frequent choice for owners of Eichler homes in particular. Visible in the picture is the outline of a bent hot water pipe below the concrete slab in a garage.

Starting with a floor at somewhat uniform temperature (eg. no boiler action for 2 days), radiant heating pipes typically can start being marked after 20 minutes. Leaks, blockages, and other artifacts of interest take longer and may require simulation, longer and specific site preparations, and more than one visit.

2020 Pricing:

$150 for small area radiant pipe locating/marking, typically before remodeling.

$500 for 1000 square ft radiant heat map.

$750 for domestic hot water leak locating and marking,

$1200 for large sites or those involving simulations and detailed mapping of heat and significant domestic hot water leak locations. For added safety, natural gas sniffing measurements can be added for $20.