Heating, ventilation and air conditioning problems can be very challenging to deal with.
Some of the HVAC system issues, such as blocked vents and dirty coils, may cause adverse consequences like indoor moisture problem and higher energy costs.
To manage HVAC system, we need sound preventive maintenance and troubleshooting strategy, alongside thermal imaging technology.
Here are 12 videos regarding HVAC troubleshooting and inspection with thermal imaging cameras, that you can draw inspiration from:
#1: HVAC Refrigeration: Walk In Cooler Running Warm – Check Receiver Level with Thermal Camera
It is sometimes impossible to identify problems affecting the functionality of an HVAC system.
As such, a thermal imager becomes handy. With a device like FLIR thermal imaging camera, one can actually find the hot and cold spots which are crucial during comparison and even deciding on the viability of the system as a whole.
Recommended read: Top 10 Benefits of Thermal Camera for Home Improvement
Check out this video that shows a compressor was off on overload and not starting, whilst a thermal camera was used to check the receiver level of the condenser:
#2: Checking HVAC Ducts with FLIR ONE
Energy loss, whether it’s heat or cooling, is a common HVAC issue that can be challenging to nail down the root cause.
With thermal imaging camera, it is actually possible to inspect your HVAC duct work and track down places with air leakages.
In this video, TV Host Jason Cameron demonstrates how to trace and fix air leaks on HVAC ducts with a FLIR ONE thermal camera:
#3: Flir One Thermal Imaging Camera for HVAC
In order to check where problems lie in HVAC refrigeration, thermal camera comes handy.
With a thermal imaging camera, it is possible to check for heat loss on duck walk walls and around vents. To do that, you just need to hold a thermal camera over the vents and any other place so as to identify hot spots.
Here is a quick review of Flir One usage, shared by Ulises Palacios who works in HVAC industry:
Flir One is a popular thermal camera that can easily be attached to a smartphone or tablet.
It is compatible with Android or iOS devices, in which you can attach it to your smart device by using a micro USB or a lightning connector.
In addition to thermal imagers specifically designed to be attached to Android and iOS devices, there are handheld models that you can use as standalone tool.
Handheld FLIR E8, FLIR C2, and FLIR TG165 are among the 5 Best Thermal Camera for HVAC and Home Inspection that we highly recommend.
#4: Top Reasons You Need Thermal Camera for HVAC
Since heat or energy loss is a common phenomenon in HVAC, it is very crucial to identify those points where heat is lost. But to do that, you cannot just touch and feel.
There are a number of reasons why we need a thermal camera when troubleshooting issues related to HVAC.
The first reason is that it is instrumental in spotting leaks at the air ducts joints. Secondly, it is possible to detect insulation loss along the ducts.
As for the case of radiant flooring, one can use this device to detect over heating coils beneath the floor and even discover cold spots in them. When it comes to AC condensers, thermal cameras can help you find plugged condenser coils and fix or inspect them.
#5: AC Troubleshooting with Infrared Technology
When troubleshooting on problems related to HVAC, the main sections that needs to be considered include condenser unit, vents, filters, thermostats and refrigeration levels.
With such a thermal imager, you can actually see pictures in two different dimensions i.e. the actual image and the one that heat signature have been propagated.
This video gives an overview on how Infrared technology can be (and should be) part of air conditioning diagnostic and maintenance procedures.
#6: Professional Contractor Uncovers Common HVAC Problems With Thermal Imager
HVAC troubleshooting using a thermal camera can bring amazing results.
Not only that thermal imager can detect HVAC issues that cannot be seen with naked eyes, it also reduces the time taken in trying to trouble shoot using other conventional methods.
In this video, professional contractor Chip Wade shared how he used thermal camera to quickly unveil common HVAC problems that can easily be repaired –
including poorly insulated ducts and heating inefficiencies that drain money on energy bill.
Recommended Read: 9 Home Energy Audits You Can DIY and Save BIG Money!
#7: Attic Ventilation Systems – Thermal Imaging Highlights Huge Energy Savings
Attic ventilation is very crucial to keep space under the roof warm or cool.
With the help of thermal imaging technique and a balanced attic ventilation system, it is easy and possible to reduce heat loss and the unnecessary heat produced.
Check out this compelling case study to learn more:
#8: Check Evaporator Coil Circuits with Thermal Camera
Coil circuits can be a source of problem in your evaporator.
Here is a video case study that demonstrates a SEEK Thermal Reveal thermal camera is useful for seeing refrigerant saturation in evaporator circuits,
with SEEK Thermal Reveal is among the best choices of inexpensive thermal camera that you can consider.
Note: This video is just for information purposes only, please do not start balancing refrigeration circuits. If you have refrigerant flow issues, suggest to pull out the expansion valve first and check for clogs in the distributor.
#9: Failed Powerflush, Badly Installed Heating – How Thermal Camera Helped
Thermal imager has been a savior, and has reduced hectic instances associated with looking for a fault within various parts of HVAC system.
With a thermal camera, it is quick and easy to identify detailed issues within HVAC system. It is actually possible to check on issues related to breakers overheating and whether the condenser fan is overheating.
In this video, Allen Hart was scheduled to do power flush on a heating system; He shared how thermal imaging camera was used to trace pipes, and see how bad the radiators were:
#10: Thermal Imaging, Short Orifice Restrictions, Ac Renew.
Thermal imaging, also comes handy when inspecting short orifice restriction in your AC.
Short orifices in a the pressure jars in an air compressor are crucial for ensuring regulation of hot and cold compressed air. In the event that they are not working well, thermal imaging can save the day since you can identify those orifices that do not work as needed.
That has been depicted clearly in the following video.
#11: HVAC Tools – Thermal Imaging
HVAC is crucial when it comes to under floor heating, especially during winter and cold seasons.
With that idea in mind, you can actually inspect the under floor heating efficiency and whether there are energy losses for you to act accordingly.
The following video by Eddie shares a couple of ideas on how you can use a thermal camera while working with HVAC:
#12: Ventilation Scam Exposed by Thermal Equipment
Fortunately ventilation scams are easily identified using a thermal equipment.
With that idea at hand, inefficient ventilator in bathrooms and other parts of the house can be identified even from 40 yards.
With a sophisticated thermal imaging equipment, the regulation authorities can actually find those ventilators that have been installed improperly.
Check out the following video by Ross Charters to learn more: