Struggling With Ventilation Inspection Requirements Lately
I’ve wondered about thermal imaging too, but I’m not sure how well it works for vents specifically. I tried borrowing a friend’s thermal camera once to check for leaks around windows, and it was decent for drafts, but I couldn’t really tell much about the ductwork. Maybe it’s better for spotting insulation gaps than actual blockages? Has anyone had luck finding hidden condensation or mold with one? That’s my bigger worry right now—don’t want to miss something behind the walls.
Struggling With Ventilation Inspection Requirements Lately
I totally get the worry about missing something behind the walls. When we moved into our place last year, I was convinced there was a hidden mold colony somewhere because the air just felt... off. I borrowed a thermal camera from my cousin, thinking I’d be some kind of home detective. It was actually kind of fun, but honestly, it mostly just showed me where the insulation was thin and where my dog liked to nap (warmest spot in the house, apparently).
For vents, though, it didn’t really help much. I could see temperature differences around the registers, but nothing that screamed “here’s your problem.” Ended up calling in a pro with one of those snake cameras and moisture meters. Turns out there was a tiny leak in a spot I never would’ve guessed.
Thermal imaging is cool for drafts and insulation gaps, but for actual condensation or mold inside ducts? Didn’t do much for me. Sometimes old-school tools and a bit of poking around still win out.
Honestly, I’ve wondered if all the fancy tech is worth it for this kind of thing. I looked into renting a thermal camera too, but after reading a bunch of mixed reviews, I just couldn’t justify the cost. Like you said, it’s great for finding cold spots or where insulation’s lacking, but when it comes to actual vent issues or hidden leaks, it seems like you still need someone with the right tools (and know-how).
I ended up going the budget route—pulled off a few vent covers and used a cheap moisture meter from Amazon. Not super high-tech, but it did help me spot one area that was way damper than the rest. Turned out to be a minor condensation issue, nothing wild. I guess sometimes just poking around and using your nose (and maybe a flashlight) gets you most of the way there.
I do wish there was a more affordable middle ground between DIY and calling in the pros, though. Feels like you either spend hours guessing or drop a chunk of change for someone else to figure it out.
Struggling With Ventilation Inspection Requirements Lately
I do wish there was a more affordable middle ground between DIY and calling in the pros, though. Feels like you either spend hours guessing or drop a chunk of change for someone else to figure it out.
That’s the real pain point, isn’t it? You either go full MacGyver with a screwdriver and a flashlight, or you’re shelling out for someone with a van full of gadgets. I’ve been down both roads and honestly, most of the time the “fancy tech” just confirms what you already suspected after poking around for a bit.
I get the appeal of thermal cameras—they look cool, and there’s something satisfying about seeing those heat maps. But unless you’re dealing with a major mystery, they’re usually overkill. Like you said, they’ll show you cold spots, but they won’t tell you why your bathroom smells like a swamp after every shower. That’s where the old-fashioned “sniff test” still wins in my book.
I’ve had decent luck with those cheap moisture meters too. Picked one up for under thirty bucks and it’s actually saved me from tearing out drywall more than once. Sure, it’s not lab-grade, but if the reading jumps when you hit a certain spot, that’s usually enough to point you in the right direction.
If there was a sweet spot between “DIY guesswork” and “professional price tag,” I’d be all over it. Maybe some kind of community tool library? Or even just better rental options for the more specialized stuff. Until then, I’ll keep trusting my nose and my flashlight... and maybe curse the dust bunnies hiding in the vents.
By the way, don’t underestimate how much you can learn just by taking things apart and putting them back together. Sometimes that’s all it takes to spot a loose duct or a patch of soggy insulation. The tech is nice, but a little curiosity goes a long way.
If there was a sweet spot between “DIY guesswork” and “professional price tag,” I’d be all over it.
Honestly, I think the closest thing is borrowing a borescope camera—those USB ones are cheap and surprisingly handy for peeking inside ducts. Not perfect, but better than just guessing. And yeah, moisture meters are underrated for tracking down hidden leaks.
