Bought a cheap infrared camera for ductwork inspections and it paid for itself in one job

Ngl, I was skeptical at first. I picked up a FLIR C5 for around $500 off a recommendation from a buddy in the trade. Last week I used it to scan a new build where the HVAC was running way too long. Turned out there was a massive blockage in one of the supply runs from some leftover drywall debris. Customer was about to call in a whole system replacement until I showed them the thermal image of the cold spot. That camera saved me hours of tearing into walls and probably saved them $4k in unnecessary work. Has anyone else had good luck with thermal cameras for troubleshooting or is it just me?

2 comments

2 Comments

riverf3428d ago

Not enough people talk about using these for spotting moisture problems before they get bad. A thermal camera can catch wet insulation or a slow roof leak way earlier than anything else, especially in places you can't reach. That alone has saved me from chasing mold complaints that would have turned into insurance claims. Plus the FLIR C5 is a solid pick for the price - you didn't overpay. Just don't fall for the cheap $200 ones on Amazon, they're basically toys with bad resolution.

ryan6531mo agoMost Upvoted

Ha, sounds like you bought a fancy flashlight and it actually worked. Guess I need to stop using my hand as a thermal camera.