This FLIR video shows a phone-mounted thermal camera spotting missing insulation. A fall scan finds problems while there is still time to fix them before winter.

Video by Teledyne FLIR on YouTube. Watch on YouTube

How often: Each fall, before winter
Video: 3 min 10 sec

When is the best time to scan?

Brian's advice is to check for insulation problems each fall so they can be fixed before winter. On a thermal image, temperature differences show up as whiter (warmer) or darker (cooler) areas, which is how missing insulation and leaks stand out.

How do you check a home for leaks?

Scan exterior walls, ceilings and attic hatches, and the places where different materials meet, such as brick and wood siding.
Look closely around outlets, switch plates, window and door frames and baseboards.
For a DIY air-leak test on a cool, windy day: close windows, doors and fireplace flues, turn off combustion appliances, turn on exhaust fans, and pass incense along those spots. Smoke pulled in or out means a leak.
Check that caulk and weatherstripping are in good shape.

Safety notes

Turn off gas furnaces and water heaters before running the DIY depressurization test, as the DOE guide directs.

Seattle-area notes

Seattle's HomeWise Weatherization Program offers free energy audits, insulation and air sealing to income-qualified homes. Seattle City Light also has a free Energy Advisor.

When to call a pro

For a full picture, hire a certified energy assessor. Professionals pair a blower door test with an infrared scan; the DOE put the cost at roughly $250 to $600 or more (2021).

Sources

Checked October 2026. Manufacturer instructions for a specific model come first. General information, not a substitute for a licensed professional.

From the Home Care Advice by Brian Huie, a principal broker and Realtor with Compass in Seattle.

Home Care Advice

Infrared scan for insulation leaks