Thermal imaging is a technology that utilizes infrared light processed in such a way that it yields images of areas which are inaccessible without significant demolition or destructive intrusion. In the past, it was very expensive to utilize due to the high cost of the equipment. Advances in electronics and technology, along with manufacturing efficiencies, have made the equipment and its use much more affordable. This makes the technology available to manufacturing and commercial buildings to help with maintenance and repairs. 
Thermal imaging technology is useful because it allows commercial and industrial facilities to go beyond simple visual inspections or routine maintenance procedures. Using thermal imaging can help identify problems that currently exist or future problems much earlier than waiting until they become obvious (and consequently) more serious. Costs of maintenance and repairs can be significantly reduced because problems are addressed early before they become severe. It may also help in determining the needs for maintenance with respect to deck and floor coatings, leaking floors and ceilings and much more. An added benefit is that you can save energy which is good for your corporate image in these days of going green. That’s because thermal imaging is especially effective in identifying cooling and heating losses.
Specifically, thermal imaging can:
- Identify insulation issues, as well as air loss from window and door gaps that occur over time. These aren’t always evident but can lead to significant heat loss in a facility.
- Give more accurate detection, as well as earlier detection, of potential equipment problems due to overheating.
- Discover potential electrical issues caused by overheating which can occur in poor electrical connections.
- Provide baseline and ongoing measurements of operating conditions and efficiency of equipment and mechanical systems.
- Give your facility an accurate measure of the carbon footprint of your building(s).
Hand held thermal imaging cameras make the technology much more accessible to a variety of industries. The net result of the increasing use of thermal imaging is that commercial facilities and industries can be more proactive in their approach to discovering potential problems. This contrasts with the historical necessity of being forced to wait until there were breakdowns, or other obvious issues, which necessitated a more reactive approach. It may also help in determining the needs for maintenance with respect to floor and deck coatings, leaking floors and the like.
How might thermal imaging help your company save costs?
