QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR
Interpreting Infrared
1 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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Learning Objectives
INTERPRETING INFRARED
By attending this session, participants will be able to:
• Explain the benefits and limitations of infrared (IR)
thermography.
• Interpret infrared images as they relate to
weatherization opportunities.
• Demonstrate how to assess the quality of
weatherization measure installation using IR images.
• Utilize IR imaging in conjunction with the blower door to
track infiltration and guide air sealing activities.
2 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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Infrared Capability
INTERPRETING INFRARED
• Cannot see through
anything
• Sees surface
temperatures only
• Cannot see color
• Cannot see air
3 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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Insulation Settled in End Wall Bays
INTERPRETING INFRARED
4 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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Missed Bay, Low Density Bays,
Infiltration
INTERPRETING INFRARED
5 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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Poorly Blown Cellulose in a
Sloped Ceiling
INTERPRETING INFRARED
6 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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Wind-Driven Infiltration at
Dropped Soffit
INTERPRETING INFRARED
7 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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Wind-Driven Infiltration
INTERPRETING INFRARED
Wind-driven infiltration
over ceiling at eaves
side of house
8 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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IR and the Blower Door
INTERPRETING INFRARED
Without Blower Door
Kitchen Soffit
With Blower Door Running
Cabinets
9 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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IR and the Blower Door
INTERPRETING INFRARED
10 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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Blower Door-Driven Infiltration #1
INTERPRETING INFRARED
Infiltration at
light fixture
Infiltration at
ceiling/wall junction
11 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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Blower Door-Driven Infiltration #2
INTERPRETING INFRARED
Infiltration at bath ceiling
fan/light fixture
12 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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Summary
INTERPRETING INFRARED
• IR imaging sees surface temperature only.
• Interpreting IR requires putting images in context.
• IR imaging cannot see through anything.
• Images are easiest to interpret when there is a large
temperature difference but always require a trained
technician for accurate interpretation.
• In conjunction with the blower door, IR imaging is a
powerful tool for diagnosing infiltration and targeting air
sealing activities.
13 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – September 2012
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