Thermal cameras are a game changer for tracking down those hidden leaks. Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- They’re especially useful in older homes where insulation can be patchy or just plain missing in weird spots.
- You can rent one for a weekend, which is way cheaper than hiring someone for a full audit.
- Sometimes the results are surprising—what looks like a solid wall might actually be leaking heat like crazy around outlets or trim.
One thing, though: foam is great for sealing, but it’s worth double-checking ventilation after you tighten up your envelope. Over-sealing can sometimes cause indoor air quality issues if you don’t have enough fresh air exchange. I learned that the hard way after a winter of stuffy rooms and condensation on the windows... not ideal.
If you haven’t already, try checking around attic hatches and basement rim joists too. Those spots are notorious for drafts and often get missed. Thermal cams make it obvious where the cold’s sneaking in.