Cheap and Easy Heatloss Detection?

Monty asks: "I'd like to measure heat loss to find out where to insulate and then find out if that is working. What can be done cheaply? Can I use my Sony's Nightvision and just cover up the IR emitter? Are there cheap but useful infrared cameras? What about plain infrared film? Or how about temperature data loggers? Where's a good place to ask these questions?"

Comments

Different kinds of infared

[ka9dgx]

The Sony and other CCD based devices do have some sensitivity in the near infared. This means they could (in theory) respond to a very hot source, such as a soldering iron glowing a dull red. (An experiment someone should try). They will NOT, however respond to the longer wavelengths of infared that you're looking for.

A heat sensor based on thermal radiation can only detect items that are warmer than itself, at a bare minimum, due to the laws of physics. That's why heat imaging cameras are so expensive, they have to cool the sensor down, usually using a Peltier effect junction, or in the case of a Sidewinder missile, a form of gas cooling.

I hope this all makes sense, and helps answer your question.

--Mike--

Good idea

[DaoudaW]

You could check out the Habitat for Humanity - Infrared Insulation Test. It seems they got a special camera from the DOE. I remember a few years back my utility company had a camera that they would use to check out your house if you gave them a call. You can also get IR film for 35mm cameras, but not sure it would do a very good job.

Just ask mom

[andy@petdance.com]

I forwarded this to my mom, and here was her reply:

1. 90% of heat loss comes from your roof, so put a hat on it. (Don't worry if the hat looks stupid. If your neighbors make fun of you, they're not good neighbors.)
2. Dress your house in several light layers, instead of just one big layer.
3. Do all this anyway, even if you don't think that it's cold now. It'll probably get cold later.
4. Be extra sure not to let your house out if the roof is wet.

Love,
Mom