Thermal Imaging is essential for Consumers, Businesses, and Municipalities

Author: Gerben Bos

Figure 1: Renovated Social houses in Goese Polder

Thermal imaging, or heat scans, is a powerful tool in the energy transition. It offers numerous benefits for consumers, businesses, and municipalities. These scans are crucial in creating awareness, a vital step in the energy efficiency process, and ensuring quality assurance after implementing energy efficiency measures.

In the European outPHit (https://outphit.eu) project, thermal imaging was brought to the attention of several municipalities within the Netherlands, with different thermal imaging scan operations (in Dutch: Warmtescan) of residential houses. The main goal was to create awareness, hoping that residents would act to make their homes more comfortable and sustainable. These 'heat scan' activities were applied on a larger scale for approximately 5.000 residential homes. Helpful tools and digitalisation are essential for thermal imaging on a large scale, which was achieved with the SaaS application on infraredplatform.com, which warmtescan.nl used in the Netherlands.

From the outPHit pilot renovation project in the Netherlands, there are some thermal images of the renovation of the Goese Polder project in Goes, demonstrating what a successful deep renovation looks like in thermal imaging. Below, we explore why conducting thermal imaging is valuable, focusing on short-term and long-term impacts.

Thermal imaging is a process that helps consumers and businesses gain a clear understanding of the current insulation status of their property. This awareness is crucial because many people mistakenly believe their homes or buildings are already well-insulated. Thermal imaging:

• Visualizes Energy Loss: Heat scans vividly highlight problematic areas, such as poorly insulated walls or windows, or thermal bridges, making energy loss visible.
• Increases Awareness: Research has shown that thermal imaging significantly increases homeowners' awareness of the need for energy efficiency improvements.
• Triggers Action: Seeing concrete areas of heat loss motivates residents and businesses to take corrective measures.

A study by the University of Groningen found that homeowners who received a thermal imaging report were up to 500% more aware of their home’s insulation needs than those who did not.

Figure 2: Left side is renovated!

Beyond creating awareness, thermal imaging actively motivates consumers, businesses, and municipalities to take tangible steps towards energy efficiency. This motivation occurs on both short-term and long-term scales. Short-term:

• Identifying Quick Wins: Thermal imaging makes it easy to spot immediately actionable improvements, such as replacing single-pane windows with HR++ glass.
• Providing Concrete Action Steps: Thermal imaging reports offer clear recommendations that are easy to understand and implement.

Thermal imaging is increasingly becoming a crucial tool in the commercial real estate sector, where energy efficiency is a matter of sustainability and financial performance. Commercial buildings, often more extensive and more complex than residential properties, can benefit significantly from thermal imaging in several ways:

• Identifying Inefficiencies: In large commercial buildings, energy losses can be substantial due to poor insulation, inefficient windows, and HVAC system leaks. Thermal imaging can pinpoint these issues, leading to targeted repairs and upgrades.

• Enhancing Property Value: Buildings with demonstrated energy efficiency are more attractive to tenants and buyers. Thermal imaging can be used to document improvements, providing a clear selling point in the competitive real estate market.

• Compliance and Reporting: Many jurisdictions require commercial buildings to meet specific energy efficiency standards. Thermal imaging provides the data necessary to prove compliance. It can support applications for green certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). It can also be used to ensure quality for passive houses and EnerPHit buildings.

Moreover, businesses that invest in thermal imaging as part of their energy management strategy often see a quick return on investment through reduced energy costs, improved tenant satisfaction, and enhanced property values.

For municipalities, thermal imaging is a powerful tool that can be integrated into broader sustainability plans, as could be seen in the outPHit project. Municipal governments are often tasked with reducing the carbon footprint of entire communities while managing public resources efficiently. Thermal imaging supports these goals in several ways:

Targeted Interventions: Municipalities can use thermal imaging to identify which neighbourhoods or buildings have the most significant potential for energy savings. This allows for more efficient resource allocation and targeted interventions that maximise impact.

• Supporting Energy Efficiency Programs: Thermal imaging can be part of a broader municipal energy efficiency program that includes incentives for insulation, window replacement, and other improvements. The data from thermal scans can help prioritise funding and outreach efforts.

• Engaging the Community: Municipalities can increase public awareness and participation in energy-saving initiatives by sharing thermal imaging data with residents. This transparency helps build trust and encourages collective action toward sustainability goals.

A detailed cost-benefit analysis reveals that the initial investment in thermal imaging is often outweighed by the long-term savings it generates. Here’s how:

Costs:

• Initial Investment: The cost of conducting thermal imaging varies depending on the location, size, complexity of the building, and sophistication of the equipment used. For residential properties, the price range usually is from a few hundred to a thousand euros, while commercial properties might incur higher costs. The prices of thermal imaging on a large scale in municipalities will drop from 300 to 100 euros because of the platform's efficiency in collecting and processing thermal imaging at infraredplatform.com.

• Follow-up Actions: If thermal imaging identifies areas requiring improvement, implementing these energy-saving measures may incur additional costs.

Benefits:

* Energy Savings: Thermal imaging helps reduce energy consumption by identifying areas of heat loss that can be easily remedied. This can lead to significant savings on heating and cooling bills.

• Increased Property Value: Energy-efficient properties are more desirable in the market, often fetching higher prices and attracting more buyers or tenants.

• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Thermal imaging can prevent costly repairs down the line, such as water damage from poor insulation, by identifying and addressing issues early.

• Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption through better insulation and other improvements directly contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with personal and governmental sustainability goals.

In most cases, the financial benefits from reduced energy costs alone can justify the initial expense of thermal imaging within a few years, making it a sound investment for homeowners and businesses.

The psychological impact of thermal imaging on energy-saving behaviour is significant. Visualisation of energy loss through thermal imaging taps into behavioural science principles, effectively driving change:

• Cognitive Dissonance: When homeowners and business managers see vivid images of heat escaping from their properties, they experience cognitive dissonance—discomfort from the mismatch between their beliefs (that their property is energy efficient) and reality. This dissonance often motivates action to resolve the inconsistency, such as investing in insulation.

• Empowerment through Information: Thermal imaging provides straightforward, actionable data that empowers individuals to take control of their energy consumption. This sense of empowerment is critical in motivating behaviour change, as people are more likely to act when they feel they have the knowledge and tools to make a difference.

• Social Influence: As thermal imaging becomes more common, there is a social component to energy-saving actions. Homeowners who see their neighbours improving their insulation after a thermal scan are more likely to follow suit, driven by social norms and the desire to keep up with community standards.

Studies have shown that when people are presented with clear, visual evidence of waste (such as thermal imaging), they are more likely to take corrective action than when told about potential inefficiencies.

While thermal imaging is a powerful tool, it’s essential to compare it with other energy-saving methods to understand its unique value:

While energy audits, smart meters, and labels offer valuable insights into overall energy efficiency, thermal imaging uniquely combines detailed, visual evidence with actionable recommendations.

Figure 4: Left side the outside wall is insulated, neighbours have not done this yet….

Thermal imaging is a crucial first step in identifying areas where energy efficiency can be improved, but the real value lies in the actions taken after the scans are completed. Below, we explore the various follow-up actions that can be taken to address the issues highlighted by thermal imaging. These actions range from quick, low-cost fixes to more comprehensive, long-term investments, all contributing to significant energy savings and improved comfort.

Once thermal imaging has identified specific heat loss areas, homeowners and businesses can take several immediate and low-cost actions. These quick wins are often the first step in improving energy efficiency and can lead to noticeable reductions in energy bills.

• Sealing Air Leaks: One of the most common issues thermal imaging reveals is air leaks around doors, windows, and other openings. Sealing these leaks with weatherstripping or caulking is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent heat loss.

* Adding or Replacing Insulation: In some cases, thermal imaging may reveal areas where insulation is missing or inadequate. Adding insulation to attics, walls, and floors can be a relatively low-cost measure that provides a quick return on investment.

• Upgrading Glass / Windows: These measures can still improve energy efficiency if thermal imaging shows significant heat loss through windows and glass. Replacing only the glass with high-efficiency glass (HR++ of HR+++) is not as effective as complete window replacement, but it can still reduce heat losses.

Property owners can consider medium-term improvements based on the insights provided by thermal imaging for more substantial energy savings. These measures require a larger investment but offer significant returns regarding energy efficiency and property value.

• Window Replacement: Thermal imaging often reveals that older, single-pane windows are a significant source of heat loss. Replacing these with double- or triple-pane windows, particularly those with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, can dramatically improve a building’s insulation and reduce energy bills.

• Upgrading Doors: Like windows, doors can be a significant source of energy loss. Installing insulated exterior doors can help retain heat within a building, leading to lower heating costs.

• Roof and Attic Insulation: Adding or upgrading insulation in the roof and attic can prevent significant heat loss. Since heat prices rise, improving insulation in these areas can lead to substantial energy savings, especially in colder climates.

Upgrading windows and doors has been shown to reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 25%, while improving attic insulation can save up to 15% on energy bills annually.

Long-term investments in energy efficiency are often the most impactful, though they require careful planning and a larger upfront investment. These actions can drastically improve a property’s energy profile, enhance comfort, and increase property value.

• Comprehensive Insulation Overhaul: A full overhaul may be necessary for properties with widespread insulation issues. This can include installing high-performance insulation throughout walls, floors, and ceilings, using materials like spray foam or rigid foam boards that offer superior insulating properties.

• HVAC System Upgrades: If thermal imaging indicates that the heating and cooling systems are inefficient or improperly sized, upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient HVAC system can be one of the most effective long-term solutions. Systems that include heat pumps or geothermal energy solutions can further enhance efficiency.

• Renewable Energy Integration: Once a property’s energy efficiency is optimised, integrating renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, can help offset remaining energy use. This is particularly effective with a comprehensive energy efficiency strategy that minimises consumption before adding renewable generation.

A comprehensive insulation overhaul combined with modern HVAC upgrades can reduce a building’s energy use by up to 80%, making these very impactful long-term investments.

Figure 5: Very poorly insulated cavity wall insulation

After implementing the recommended improvements, it’s essential to ensure that the work has been done correctly and achieves the desired results. This can be done through follow-up thermal imaging and other monitoring tools.

• Post-Implementation Thermal Imaging: Conducting a second thermal imaging scan after improvements is essential for verifying that the work has effectively addressed the issues. This step helps ensure that no areas are overlooked and that the property is correctly insulated.

• Energy Monitoring Systems: Installing energy monitoring systems can provide ongoing data on energy consumption, helping owners track the effectiveness of the allowing for prompt action.

Post-implementation thermal scans often reveal that initial issues have been resolved, but quality assurance is necessary to ensure that the contractor will do the job correctly.

Figure 6: Opening windows during wintertime cos a lot of energy

In addition to physical improvements, thermal imaging can highlight areas where behavioural changes can further enhance energy efficiency.

• Adjusting Thermostat Settings: Because of the improved insulation, property owners can often reduce thermostat settings without sacrificing comfort, leading to further energy savings.

• Optimizing HVAC Usage: Better insulation and more efficient windows and doors may reduce the need for heating and cooling. Adjusting HVAC usage patterns accordingly can prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

• Educating Occupants: Ensuring that all occupants understand the improvements made and how to use the property’s systems efficiently is crucial. This includes training on properly using any new HVAC systems or energy management tools installed as part of the follow-up actions.

Behavioural adjustments alone can reduce energy costs by 5-10%, particularly with physical improvements.

Figure 7: Dutch appartment blocks, with a lot of thermal bridges

Thermal imaging is a key tool in identifying areas for energy improvement, but its effectiveness is significantly enhanced when combined with advanced retrofitting approaches like those promoted by outPHit. outPHit addresses the challenges of delivering high-quality deep retrofits by integrating Passive House principles, making retrofits more cost-effective, faster, and more reliable.

The outPHit project pairs various retrofitting methods with the rigorous EnerPHit Standard based on Passive House principles. This combination ensures that retrofits are not only energy-efficient but also high-quality and long-lasting. Key benefits include:

• Faster and Cheaper Retrofits: streamlined processes and pre-fabricated components reduce the time and costs of deep retrofits. These methods allow buildings to be retrofitted quickly without compromising on quality, often allowing residents to remain in their homes during the process.

• High-Performance Standards: By adhering to the EnerPHit Standard, retrofits achieve superior energy performance, resulting in nearly zero-energy buildings. This standard ensures that retrofitted buildings are energy-efficient but also comfortable and durable.

• Comprehensive Quality Assurance: decision-making and quality assurance approaches are applied throughout the renovation process. These include certification schemes for design-stage-approval concepts, whole-house renovation systems and simplified monitoring concepts, ensuring that every retrofit meets the highest standards.

European case studies have demonstrated that EnerPHit renovation projects can deliver deep retrofits that significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Companies continually seek ways to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs in today's competitive business environment. One of the most effective strategies to achieve these goals is improving the productivity of critical operations, including those involving thermography.

Despite its importance, thermographers often view report writing as a tedious task. While thermal imaging is an exciting technology that reveals what the naked eye cannot see, compiling inspection reports can be time-consuming and repetitive. Many thermographers use multiple software programs—sometimes as many as four—to complete a single report. This fragmentation complicates the reporting process and can lead to significant time losses. In some cases, thermographers may spend up to eight hours preparing a report for a single day’s inspection.

Figure 8: Typical Dutch row houses

Addressing these challenges, innovative software solutions have emerged that streamline the reporting process. Modern IR (infrared) reporting software is designed to be intuitive and efficient, reducing the time required to generate comprehensive reports by up to 80%. This improvement allows thermographers to focus more on conducting inspections and less on administrative tasks, ultimately increasing their productivity and profitability.

• Cloud-Based Mobility: Modern IR reporting platforms utilize cloud technology to provide unmatched flexibility and mobility. Users can access the software from any location without installing or updating programs manually, ensuring that thermographers always have the latest tools and features at their disposal.

• Preformatted Templates: The software includes a range of preformatted report templates that comply with industry standards. These templates cover various applications, including electrical and mechanical system inspections, building envelope assessments, steam and piping systems, flat roof surveys, and pest detection. Customisable templates are also available to meet specific project needs.

• User-Friendly Interface: Designed by expert thermographers, these platforms are easy to navigate, allowing users to input data and images quickly. The software guides users through the reporting process with on-screen prompts, ensuring that reports are thorough and consistent.

While the importance of thermal imaging in energy efficiency is evident, the effectiveness of these scans is significantly enhanced with the right tools and platforms. For thermal imaging projects, online platforms can be used by anyone involved in thermography, from small businesses to large enterprises. Such platforms offer the scalability, precision, and user-friendly design needed to excel in the industry.

Figure 9: outPHit project team in Goes, the Netherlands

To align with international climate goals, Europe's building stock must be climate-neutral by 2050, yet the current rate of retrofitting is not nearly high enough to achieve this. Thus, there is an urgent need to retrofit our buildings fast and boost Europe's renovation rates. Over the years, various retrofitting approaches using prefabrication and streamlined processes have been developed to answer this challenge. Except this development is digitalisation in the building sector also a key success factor for reducing cost and faster retrofits. SaaS applications and tools like InfraredPlatform.com are indispensable for creating awareness among building owners and hopefully choosing to give their buildings a new outPHit.

Thermal insulation

Building envelope

Tools

PHPP – Passive House Planning Package

outPHit - Deep retrofits made faster, cheaper and more reliable