I am looking for suggestions for tools to use on Inspections.
Can you recommend a good Moisture Meter and Thermometer for checking HVAC temperature differences.
Also, where can I purchase them.
Thanks for the Help
1st Choice Inspectors LLC
randy@1sthomepro.com
Palatka, Florida
As many as you can afford.
Inspection Depot.
What State are you going to be working in?
Florida
GE surveymaster moisture meter, online upper $300’s
IR thermometer, several at home depot $40+/-
Measuring AC or forced air, I use an anemometer with temp, the ir thermometer measures surface temp not air temp. Grainger $120
Surveymasters are nice but the best unit is an Extech. I am a trained structural drying specialist. The important aspects of that are moisture, temperature, humidity, and grains of moisture per pound of air. These are also the most important variables and conditions if you see microbial activity. You really need a moisture meter that is both destructive and non destructive as well as a thermohygrometer. Extech makes a unit that is all in one. I would encourage all home inspectors to take a basic water course to understand the science of water and drying. It is one thing to have the meter, but there is so much more that the meter can tell you if you have the training.
Jeff, no tool is a substitute for training or education. Seemed, by the nature of the post, he’s looking for a starter kit.
Have you ever gone shrimping on that river with a cast net?
For around $550, you can get all of the right elements of what you need in one unit, including the thermometer. You can waste a lot of money assembling starter kit items in this category. Take a good look at the Extech. I have used most industry leading brands. GE, Delmhorst, Extech, Phoenix…etc. The Extech gives you the most bang for your buck, is one item, leaving more room in the bag for other essentials, such as the money you will save.
If you know what your looking for ebay can save you lots.
I got a thermo gun, moisture meter, digital camera all on Ebay and all good quality, waited for deals and got it all for under $200, now I just bought a new camera for its WiFi capabilities and zoom and no regrets as I am still using my original and good quality Ebay tools. Old camera is charged and used as a backup.
Furthermore I bought a thermo gun and moisture meter and let my clients check the fridge and whatever they want. Gets them off my case while I’m digging into things. I have 2 of everything.
I found a lot of different Extechs. Can you provide a model #? Can you expand on all in one. What information does it provide?
http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=11&prodid=518
A little pricey but you get what you pay for!
You can get that unit for under $450 new, also a kit with IR camera, but I’m guessing the camera is more of a toy.
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Extech MO290-RK1 Water Restoration Contractor Kit
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FLIR i5 - Compact IR Camera
MO290 - Pinless Moisture Psychrometer + IR
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