# Thermography a marketing gimmick? **URL:** \ **Category:** Thermal Imaging, Infrared Cameras & Energy Audits\ **Created:** [February 14, 2016, 2:35am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980 "2016-02-14T02:35:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ksilvas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ksilvas/32/426227_2.png) [@ksilvas](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ksilvas)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2016, 2:35am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/1 "2016-02-14T02:35:29Z")
Found an interesting article regarding infrared, I was curious what others think of it. The article, [Don’t Fall for the Infrared Camera Hype](http://www.texasinspector.com/2014/08/dont-fall-infrared-camera-hype/) basically indicates that thermography can’t be properly performed unless done at night and that the proper equipment would cost at least $25K with training being an additional $5. It indicates that the infrared services that home inspection companies are offering are merely a gimmick started by Mike Holmes and picked up by others to feel like they needed to partake in order to stay relevant. I have no ill feelings towards infrared, in fact I’m in the market for a camera and found the article while searching for infrared cameras online when I did a search for “Home Inspection Infrared Cameras.” I found the article interesting and thought I’d solicit opinions. ---
**Author:** ![frotte](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/frotte/32/58483_2.png) [@frotte](https://forum.nachi.org/u/frotte)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2016, 2:42am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/2 "2016-02-14T02:42:41Z")
Anyone else is just looking around. ---
**Author:** ![kramm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/96bed5/32.png) [@kramm](https://forum.nachi.org/u/kramm)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2016, 4:21am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/3 "2016-02-14T04:21:34Z")
Training is 1st and foremost. I agree most are looking / doing a marketing gimmick. Imager is dependant on specifics / scope of the job not price. ---
**Author:** ![imayer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/imayer/32/197054_2.png) [@imayer](https://forum.nachi.org/u/imayer)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2016, 4:22am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/4 "2016-02-14T04:22:41Z")
I think he has two decent points: > [@](#): > > "The cameras that most inspectors buy are at the bottom end of the technology and comparatively cheap " and > [@](#): > > accurate result can only be accomplished by … an inspector who has the required training to operate the camera But beyond that, I don’t get the author’s point. The author is suggests only “a full-time professional, licensed HERS energy rating contractor” who spends hours upon hours on site is going to give a real IR report, which is simply overkill for the average home buyer. It’s like saying you shouldn’t see a general doctor when you don’t feel well, you should only see a brain surgeon. And here in Southern California, most houses have been built with little, and occasionally, no insulation. You don’t need “a full-time professional, licensed HERS energy rater” to know your 1940’s post WWII home in the middle of the San Fernando Valley is poorly insulated. I have a good camera, I have training on it, and I’ve found leaks that weren’t visible to the naked eye with it. And I get referrals because I can do this. ---
**Author:** ![jmckenna1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmckenna1/32/719_2.png) [@jmckenna1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmckenna1)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2016, 5:02am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/5 "2016-02-14T05:02:26Z")
> [@ksilvas](#): > > Found an interesting article regarding infrared, I was curious what others think of it. The article, [Don’t Fall for the Infrared Camera Hype](http://www.texasinspector.com/2014/08/dont-fall-infrared-camera-hype/) basically indicates that thermography can’t be properly performed unless done at night and that the proper equipment would cost at least $25K with training being an additional $5. It indicates that the infrared services that home inspection companies are offering are merely a gimmick started by Mike Holmes and picked up by others to feel like they needed to partake in order to stay relevant. > > I have no ill feelings towards infrared, in fact I’m in the market for a camera and found the article while searching for infrared cameras online when I did a search for “Home Inspection Infrared Cameras.” I found the article interesting and thought I’d solicit opinions. > > In order for infrared cameras to provide any useful information they require a very controlled set of conditions and operating environment, which are almost never available during the course of a home inspection. See our video on what can be found with an infrared camera during a building inspection. See link below in my signature. It does take training to get good results. Prices for cameras have come way down since the article was written. It is correct that many inspectors buy poor cameras and get no real training. I agree with this part of the article. Contact me for current camera prices. Those who are serious will search out the subject and at least get some training. I do not feel compelled to convince the unwilling to do IR. Indoor conditions can be changed with the HVAC system and proper training deals with this issue. Please note that the article was written by someone with no training and does not use an infrared camera. He is defending his turf as a non IR business, as his competitors are using IR like a flood all around him. ---
**Author:** ![eschmidt](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/eschmidt/32/89375_2.png) [@eschmidt](https://forum.nachi.org/u/eschmidt)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 10:34pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/6 "2016-02-17T22:34:48Z")
The second question I am asked, after how much, is if I have a thermal imaging camera. When I was starting out I had to decide whether to tap dance around why I did not need one, or just say yup, I do. So I took the advice most often given in this forum, get training first and then make an informed choice of a camera. I never regretted it, I like using my camera, it taught me much about building science and brought me work I would not otherwise have gotten. ---
**Author:** ![cbottger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/cbottger/32/206_2.png) [@cbottger](https://forum.nachi.org/u/cbottger)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 11:37pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/7 "2016-02-17T23:37:05Z")
> [@eschmidt](#): > > The second question I am asked, after how much, is if I have a thermal imaging camera. When I was starting out I had to decide whether to tap dance around why I did not need one, or just say yup, I do. So I took the advice most often given in this forum, get training first and then make an informed choice of a camera. I never regretted it, I like using my camera, it taught me much about building science and brought me work I would not otherwise have gotten. Worth repeating I will be scanning 66 electrical panels next Monday and receiving a chunky check;-) ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 11:44pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/8 "2016-02-17T23:44:52Z")
> [@frotte](#): > > Anyone else is just looking around. Bulls\*hit…! It is at the very bottom of the list as to how an HI can make money… ---
**Author:** ![frotte](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/frotte/32/58483_2.png) [@frotte](https://forum.nachi.org/u/frotte)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2016, 11:59pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/9 "2016-02-17T23:59:42Z")
> [@rlewis5](#): > > Bulls\*hit…! > It is at the very bottom of the list as to how an HI can make money… Think so? I found a leaky toilet that you never would have seen “just looking around”. ---
**Author:** ![cbottger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/cbottger/32/206_2.png) [@cbottger](https://forum.nachi.org/u/cbottger)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 12:36am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/10 "2016-02-18T00:36:17Z")
> [@rlewis5](#): > > Bulls\*hit…! > It is at the very bottom of the list as to how an HI can make money… I must say again your dumber than a stump why don’t you take a long walk on a short pier and give advice on something your qualified for ZERO:twisted: ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 12:40pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/11 "2016-02-18T12:40:52Z")
There is no money to be made with it. That is all I’m saying. ---
**Author:** ![ldapkus](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ldapkus/32/58272_2.png) [@ldapkus](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ldapkus)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 12:46pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/12 "2016-02-18T12:46:12Z")
> [@rlewis5](#): > > There is no money to be made with it. That is all I’m saying. > [@](#): > > I will be scanning 66 electrical panels next Monday and receiving a chunky check:wink: How much are you getting paid for this “no money” work Charlie? Please enlighten the doubters. ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 12:59pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/13 "2016-02-18T12:59:15Z")
> [@cbottger](#): > > Worth repeating > > I will be scanning 66 electrical panels next Monday and receiving a chunky check;-) You are absolutly full of s\*hit. ---
**Author:** ![cbottger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/cbottger/32/206_2.png) [@cbottger](https://forum.nachi.org/u/cbottger)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 1:44pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/14 "2016-02-18T13:44:22Z")
> [@rlewis5](#): > > There is no money to be made with it. That is all I’m saying. Roy answer this question its a easy one True or False is it true that you were the only 16 year old in your 3rd grade class:p ---
**Author:** ![cbottger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/cbottger/32/206_2.png) [@cbottger](https://forum.nachi.org/u/cbottger)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 1:48pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/15 "2016-02-18T13:48:08Z")
> [@ldapkus](#): > > How much are you getting paid for this “no money” work Charlie? > Please enlighten the doubters. No need to the doubter is a zero you can look in his eyes and tell there is no one home;-) ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 1:52pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/16 "2016-02-18T13:52:09Z")
How old were you when you gave your first BJ? Did you swallow or spit? You look like death warmed over. [http://www.freedomexpressinspections.com/system/files/userfiles/images/Junk\_2\_5-14-08\_158.jpg](http://www.freedomexpressinspections.com/system/files/userfiles/images/Junk_2_5-14-08_158.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![cbottger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/cbottger/32/206_2.png) [@cbottger](https://forum.nachi.org/u/cbottger)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 1:54pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/17 "2016-02-18T13:54:56Z")
> [@rlewis5](#): > > How old were you when you gave your first BJ? > Did you swallow or spit? > > You look like death warmed over. > > [http://www.freedomexpressinspections.com/system/files/userfiles/images/Junk\_2\_5-14-08\_158.jpg](http://www.freedomexpressinspections.com/system/files/userfiles/images/Junk_2_5-14-08_158.jpg) Is that all you got answer the question true or false;-) ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 2:00pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/18 "2016-02-18T14:00:26Z")
> [@cbottger](#): > > Roy answer this question its a easy one True or False is it true that you were the only 16 year old in your 3rd grade class:p I don’t answer questions from old wore out has beens. ---
**Author:** ![ldapkus](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ldapkus/32/58272_2.png) [@ldapkus](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ldapkus)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 3:18pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/19 "2016-02-18T15:18:19Z")
> [@rlewis5](#): > > How old were you when you gave your first BJ? > Did you swallow or spit? > > You look like death warmed over. > > [http://www.freedomexpressinspections.com/system/files/userfiles/images/Junk\_2\_5-14-08\_158.jpg](http://www.freedomexpressinspections.com/system/files/userfiles/images/Junk_2_5-14-08_158.jpg) This is a public forum which can be viewed by non members. Roy, you should remove this post or have Nick move it to members only. You’re out of line with your vulgar and despicable remarks. ---
**Author:** ![rlewis5](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rlewis5/32/337040_2.png) [@rlewis5](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rlewis5)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2016, 6:40pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980/20 "2016-02-18T18:40:20Z")
> [@ldapkus](#): > > This is a public forum which can be viewed by non members. > Roy, you should remove this post or have Nick move it to members only. > You’re out of line with your vulgar and despicable remarks. Look who’s running his mouth again. He drew first blood with this remark. > [@](#): > > Roy answer this question its a easy one True or False is it true that you were the only 16 year old in your 3rd grade class I’m done with him anyway. Been done with you a long time ago. [Next page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/thermography-a-marketing-gimmick/103980.md?page=2)