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Home Infrared Scanning in Milwaukee, WI Uncovers Hidden Issues

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes read

Home infrared scanning is a powerful diagnostic tool that every Milwaukee, WI homeowner should be aware of.
By using infrared technology to detect temperature variations in your home, a professional infrared scan can uncover hidden issues like moisture intrusion, air leaks, insulation gaps, and more.
Addressing these problems can dramatically improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and health.

How Infrared Scanning Works

Infrared cameras detect heat radiation that is invisible to the naked eye.
During a home infrared scan, a certified thermographer uses a specialized infrared camera to capture images of your home’s interior and exterior.
These thermal images show temperature variations represented as colors, with cooler areas appearing blue or purple and warmer areas yellow, orange or red.

Stark temperature contrasts can indicate issues like:

  • Missing or inadequate insulation
  • Air leaks around windows, doors, outlets, and other penetrations
  • Moisture intrusion from plumbing leaks, roof leaks, or foundation seepage
  • Malfunctioning HVAC equipment
  • Electrical hot spots that could pose a fire risk

Your thermographer will interpret the infrared images to pinpoint problem areas and recommend solutions.

Close-up of thermal imaging camera used for home energy inspections

Close-up of thermal imaging camera used for home energy inspections

A comprehensive infrared scan may also include a blower door test to pressurize or depressurize the home, making air leaks easier to detect.

What it detects How it works Benefits
  • Moisture intrusion
  • Insulation voids
  • Air leaks
  • HVAC issues
  • Electrical hot spots
  • Infrared camera detects heat variations
  • Thermographer interprets images
  • Blower door test may be used
  • Detailed report with findings
  • Professional recommendations
  • Non-invasive inspection
  • Early problem detection
  • Energy efficiency improvement
  • Cost-effective maintenance
  • Prevention of major repairs

Discovering Hidden Moisture and Insulation Problems

One of the most valuable aspects of infrared scanning is its ability to locate moisture issues that may be hidden behind walls, under flooring, or in inaccessible areas like crawl spaces.
Excess moisture can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and indoor air quality problems.
An infrared camera can spot the cooler temperatures associated with moisture accumulation, allowing you to address leaks or humidity issues before they cause major damage.

Infrared scans are also highly effective at assessing your home’s insulation.
Gaps or settling in insulation will allow heat to escape, appearing as bright spots on an infrared image.
A thermographer can use infrared scanning to determine if your insulation is performing as it should or if upgrades are needed.
With a clear picture of where insulation is missing or underperforming, you can boost comfort and efficiency with targeted improvements.

Detecting Moisture Issues Evaluating Insulation Performance
  • Plumbing leaks
  • Roof leaks
  • Foundation seepage
  • Humidity
  • Condensation
  • Insulation gaps
  • Insulation settling
  • Inadequate insulation levels
  • Air leakage
  • Duct leakage

Identifying Energy Loss and Inefficiencies

Infrared scanning is an essential tool for pinpointing sources of energy waste in your home.
Air leaks and insufficient insulation can cause your heating and cooling systems to work overtime, leading to high utility bills and uneven temperatures.
By detecting these issues, an infrared scan can help you prioritize energy upgrades for maximum impact.

Your thermographer may also use infrared to assess the performance of your HVAC system.
Scanning the ductwork can reveal air leaks or inadequate insulation, while examining the heating and cooling units themselves can uncover malfunctioning components or airflow problems.
Addressing these inefficiencies can improve system performance, increase comfort, and reduce energy use.

After an infrared scan, your thermographer will provide a detailed report with recommendations to improve energy efficiency.
These may include:

  1. Air sealing windows, doors, and penetrations
  2. Adding insulation to walls, attics, or crawl spaces
  3. Sealing and insulating ductwork
  4. Tuning up or upgrading HVAC equipment
  5. Installing energy-efficient windows or doors

By following these recommendations, Milwaukee homeowners can often reduce energy use by 20% or more while enhancing comfort.

Common Energy Efficiency Recommendations
Air Sealing Insulation
  • Windows and doors
  • Outlets and switches
  • Plumbing penetrations
  • Chimneys and flues
  • Attic
  • Walls
  • Crawl space
  • Rim joists

The Value of Regular Infrared Scanning

While a one-time infrared scan can yield valuable insights, scheduling regular scans every few years can help you stay on top of your home’s performance.
As houses age, new air leaks or insulation issues may develop.
Regular scans catch these problems early, allowing for prompt remediation.

Infrared scanning is also a wise investment before purchasing a new home.
Pre-purchase scans can detect hidden issues that a standard home inspection might miss, such as moisture intrusion or missing insulation.
Identifying these problems upfront allows you to negotiate repairs or plan for future improvements.

Why Home Infrared Scanning in Milwaukee, WI Matters

In Milwaukee’s climate, with cold winters and humid summers, homes are subjected to significant temperature fluctuations and moisture challenges.
Infrared scanning is a valuable tool for keeping Milwaukee homes healthy, efficient, and comfortable in the face of these demands.

By detecting hidden issues like air leaks, missing insulation, and moisture intrusion, infrared scans empower homeowners to make targeted improvements that enhance energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and prevent expensive damage.
In a city with many older homes, infrared technology is especially crucial for uncovering and resolving performance problems.

Regular infrared home scans contribute to better building maintenance and increased property value.
As Milwaukee homeowners become more aware of the benefits of home performance testing, infrared scanning is an investment that can pay dividends in comfort, health, and energy savings for years to come.

The Importance of Infrared Scanning for Milwaukee Homes
Climate Challenges Benefits
  • Cold winters
  • Humid summers
  • Many older homes
  • Risk of ice dams
  • Improved comfort
  • Lower energy bills
  • Better indoor air quality
  • Damage prevention
Thermal imaging camera detecting heat patterns in an empty home interior

Thermal imaging camera detecting heat patterns in an empty home interior

Frequently Asked Questions

How can home infrared scanning detect hidden moisture and insulation problems in Milwaukee, WI homes?

Infrared cameras detect cooler temperatures associated with moisture accumulation and warmer spots where insulation is missing or underperforming, allowing thermographers to pinpoint hidden issues.

What are the benefits of regular home infrared scanning for Milwaukee, WI homeowners?

Regular infrared scans catch new air leaks or insulation problems early, helping to maintain energy efficiency, comfort, and building health over time.

How does infrared scanning identify energy loss and inefficiencies in Milwaukee, WI residential properties?

Infrared cameras reveal air leaks, missing insulation, and HVAC performance issues that can lead to energy waste and high utility bills.

What should Milwaukee, WI homeowners expect during an infrared home inspection?

During an inspection, a certified thermographer will scan your home inside and out with an infrared camera, possibly including a blower door test. You’ll receive a detailed report with findings and recommendations.

How much does home infrared scanning cost in Milwaukee, WI?

Infrared scanning costs vary based on home size and inspection complexity, but typically range from $200 to $600. Many homeowners find the insights and energy savings well worth the investment.

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