Tom (our project partner and energy specialist) took some infrared (IR) images of the house to demonstrate where heat leaks most. Here we show each IR image side by side with a normal camera image.
The different colors in the IR images show the different temperatures over the structure. Usually the reddish/yellowish colors indicate warmer temperatures and the blueish/purpleish colors indicate colder temperatures (see scale in each image). In a near perfectly insulated structure, there should be little difference in the colors. That these images show different colors means there is either air leakage in the walls or poorly insulated spots inside the walls. Windows will show a different color as their thermal properties are different from the wall’s.
As is typical with other houses, the seams, joints and windows are the most problematic areas.
Note that the temperature differences shown in these IR pictures are not that pronounced because the pictures were taken on a nice summer day just before noon. The differences would be much worse in winter when the outside is colder and the house is heated.
Air sealing and additional insulation should correct the problems at the seams, joints, walls and attic. We also plan to make changes to the windows as well.
Coming next: Updated Floor Plan
See also: Partnering With Green Hearted Companies and the entire From Foreclosure To Green Home series.
