Thermal Imaging Seminar-July 10- NYS Approved for Home Inspector CE

[Bill C. Merrell, CMI]

http://www.merrellinstitute.com/infr...fiedclass.html

"NOT JUST INSPECTED... INFRARED INSPECTED"TM (C) Merrell Institute

USE OF INFRARED (IR) CAMERA IN AN INSPECTION

7 HOUR CLASS CERTIFICATE

JULY 10TH, 2009 8AM TO 3:30PM!

AN INTRODUCTION TO INFRARED CAMERA CLASS !- New Lower Price !

Mail or Fax your registration back to us: Fax #631-563-7719
Merrell Institute Facility: 1461-16 Lakeland Ave., Bohemia, NY 11716
Main School Facility: 631-563-7720 ~ Bill C. Merrell, Ph.D.- School Director/Founder
" ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES AND EXPECT TO PRACTICE AND USE ONE OF OUR CAMERAS DURING CLASS BREAKOUT'S"

Infrared (thermal imaging) is an advanced non-destructive technology that allows an Infrared Certified Trained Inspector to show you things about your home that no one can show you with a conventional inspection methods. Infrared inspections can identify and document: (each property is unique and each inspection is unique)

• electrical faults before they cause a fire.
• overloaded and undersized circuits.
• circuit breakers in need of immediate replacement.
• missing, damaged, and/or wet insulation.
• heat loss in walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors
• air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors.
• water and moisture intrusion that could lead to mold.
• possible pest infestation.
• hidden roof leaks, before they cause serious damage.
• air conditioner compressor leaks.
• under fastening and/or missing framing members.
• structural defects.
• broken seals in double pane windows.
• energy loss and efficiency.
• dangerous flue leaks.
• damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems.
• unknown plumbing leaks.
• overheated equipment

USE OF INFRARED CAMERA IN A PROPERTY INSPECTION

7 HOUR CLASS CERTIFICATE

NYS HOME INSPECTION CONTINUING EDUCATION APPROVED FOR 7 HOURS-

APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS:

• NORTH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION NETWORK CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
• INTERNATIONAL ASSOC. OF CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTORS CONTINUING ED. CREDIT
• HOUSING INSPECTION FOUNDATION CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
• ASSOCIATION OF CONSTRUCTION INSPECTORS CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
• ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ASSOCIATION CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

THIS SEMINAR INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TOPICAL AREAS:

1. THE PURPOSE AND USE OF AN IR CAMERA IN A HOME INSPECTION
2. EXTERIOR INSPECTING AND HE USE OF AN IR CAMERA
3. INTERIOR INSPECTING AND THE USE OF AN IR CAMERA
4. LIMITATIONS OF AN IR CAMERA IN THE INSPECTION PROCESS
5. ALTERNATIVE EQUIPMENT TO THE IR CAMERA- WE WILL SHOW THEM TO YOU!
6. USE OF TECHNOLOGY WITHIN THE SCOPE OF WORK PERMITTED IN NYS

$ 175.00 Advanced Registration- JULY 10TH, 2009 FROM 8AM TO 3:30PM

7 hour credit-NYS, Dept. of State, Division of Licensing Services Home Inspection Continuing Education Approved

Many Schools offer IR classes for upwards of $800-1200. We are hosting this 1 day IR Seminar (7 hours) for $ 175.00. You do not need to own or bring a camera with you to enroll in this class. This class is viable for the Home Inspectors who wants to learn the basic uses of an Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera. We will demonstrate an inexpensive, yet quite reliable unit during the class, which retails for $ 2,995. Our other Camera, costing $7,500 will also be demonstrated. We even upgraded a less expensive camera with new software. Our program is great! Our grads agree! Fax your registration with Mastercard/VISA to 631-563-7719.

Location: Merrell Institute Facility, 1461-16 Lakeland Avenue, Bohemia, NY 11716

Certificate Issued by: Bill Merrell, Ph.D.- School Director, Appraisal Education Network School 631-563-7720

$ 175.00 Advanced Registration/Pre-Paid (Non-Refundable) $250.00 At Door Registration

Name______________________________________________ _____________________ Phone____________________________

Address___________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ______

Advanced Registration [ ] $ 175.00 [ ] At Door $ 250.00 [ ] Check/Money Order [ ] Visa/MasterCard

Credit Card #_________________________________________________ _____ Exp. Date______ 3 Digit Code_______

Signed____________________________________________ ______________________ Dated____________________________

www.merrellinstitute.com

"NOT JUST INSPECTED... INFRARED INSPECTED"TM (C) Merrell Institute
All Graduates will be listed in the www.IRInspectorYellowpages.com Directory- A $ 150 Value...Free!

View the Extech i5
IRC40 Thermal Imager
Virtual Demo
An interactive walk-through
of camera operations,
and product features.

ALSO 2 FREE HOME STUDY (INTERNET BASED) CLASSES FROM FLIR !
or the main web site, at http://irtraining.coursehost.com FREE HOME STUDY CLASS IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!

InfraCAM Basics Course $ 120.00 Free for a Limited Time! (An ITC Course)

http://www.infraredtraining.com/courses/infracam_basics.asp

3 hours Credit (Certificate Printable at course conclusion)

BCAM Basics Course $ 120.00 Free for a Limited Time! (An ITC Course)

http://www.infraredtraining.com/courses/bcam_basics.asp

3 hours Credit (Certificate Printable at course conclusion)


This course will introduce you to the FLIR Systems BCAM infrared camera with a primary emphasis on the theory and practice of using infrared thermography as a non-invasive building diagnostic and reporting tool.
We will discuss the controls of the camera as well as the user interface, and show you how to operate your camera and your report and analysis software. This course also includes lessons on IR thermography, IR science, and heat transfer. All of these subjects are necessary to allow you to properly interpret images.
Please Note: If you do not use a BCAM, you are still welcome to take the course but please realize that the button layout and operation will be different from your camera. If you have a B2 or E45 camera from FLIR, you should have received a "TrainIR CD" with your camera which will show you how to use your camera and covers much of the same information as the BCAM Basics course.
Course Highlights – you’ll learn:
- Expert tips-n-tricks on IR camera operation and report generation
- Basic science you need to understand thermography
- The best environmental conditions for surveys
- Basics of thermal image interpretation
For BCAM users, this class can help you get the most out of your investment.
You need to have a weighted average score of at least 75% on all the quizzes in order to pass the course. On successful completion of the course, you will be able to print out a certificate of completion with your name.
Prerequisites: This course is designed for BCAM users. No prior knowledge of thermography or the BCAM is required.
Internet Connection: A high speed (cable, DSL, etc.) connection is required to take this course. A dialup connection is too slow.
Availability: This course is a self paced web based training course available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can begin as soon as you enroll.
Tuition: FREE (a $120 USD value) for a limited time to introduce this new training method to the IR community.
ITC Certification Renewal Credits: 3

InfraCAM Basics Course $ 120.00 Free for a Limited Time! (An ITC Course)

http://www.infraredtraining.com/courses/infracam_basics.asp

3 hours Credit (Certificate Printable at course conclusion)

BCAM Basics Course $ 120.00 Free for a Limited Time! (An ITC Course)

http://www.infraredtraining.com/courses/bcam_basics.asp

3 hours Credit (Certificate Printable at course conclusion)



The 2 above courses are not approved by NYS for Continuing Education Credit, however they confirm your attendance in 6 hours of Coursework



We Recommend the Extech i5. It does the Job and it is priced right!

Part #IRC40

EXTECH i5 Compact IR Camera $ 2,995.00

Easy-to-Use Troubleshooting Tool - Only 12oz

Affordable InfraRed Camera with high quality image, high accuracy, focus free viewing, and 5000 image miniSD™ card storage

· Pocket sized and fully automatic
· 80 x 80 pixels for clear images
· High accuracy of 2% helps you find problems faster and easier
· Large 2.8" color LCD
· >4 hour continuous operation on a single charge for uninterrupted inspections
· Double molded rugged design with easy grip handle construction meets IP43 dust/splashproof standards
· MiniSD™ card stores up to 5000\ Radiometric JPEG format images. Each image can be analyzed using the included QuickReport™ PC Software
· Complete with 512MB miniSD™ Card, Li-Ion rechargeable battery with 100-260V AC adaptor/charger with EU, UK, US and Australian plugs, QuickReport™ software with USB Mini-B cable, built-in

http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11200

U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

A Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Thermographic Inspections

Energy auditors may use thermography—or infrared scanning—to detect thermal defects and air leakage in building envelopes.
How They Work

Thermography measures surface temperatures by using infrared video and still cameras. These tools see light that is in the heat spectrum. Images on the video or film record the temperature variations of the building's skin, ranging from white for warm regions to black for cooler areas. The resulting images help the auditor determine whether insulation is needed. They also serve as a quality control tool, to ensure that insulation has been installed correctly.
A thermographic inspection is either an interior or exterior survey. The energy auditor decides which method would give the best results under certain weather conditions. Interior scans are more common, because warm air escaping from a building does not always move through the walls in a straight line. Heat loss detected in one area of the outside wall might originate at some other location on the inside of the wall. Also, it is harder to detect temperature differences on the outside surface of the building during windy weather. Because of this difficulty, interior surveys are generally more accurate because they benefit from reduced air movement.
Thermographic scans are also commonly used with a blower door test running. The blower door helps exaggerate air leaking through defects in the building shell. Such air leaks appear as black streaks in the infrared camera's viewfinder.
Thermography uses specially designed infrared video or still cameras to make images (called thermograms) that show surface heat variations. This technology has a number of applications. Thermograms of electrical systems can detect abnormally hot electrical connections or components. Thermograms of mechanical systems can detect the heat created by excessive friction. Energy auditors use thermography as a tool to help detect heat losses and air leakage in building envelopes.
Infrared scanning allows energy auditors to check the effectiveness of insulation in a building's construction. The resulting thermograms help auditors determine whether a building needs insulation and where in the building it should go. Because wet insulation conducts heat faster than dry insulation, thermographic scans of roofs can often detect roof leaks.
In addition to using thermography during an energy audit, you should have a scan done before purchasing a house; even new houses can have defects in their thermal envelopes. You may wish to include a clause in the contract requiring a thermographic scan of the house. A thermographic scan performed by a certified technician is usually accurate enough to use as documentation in court proceedings.
The energy auditor may use one of several types of infrared sensing devices in an on-site inspection. A spot radiometer (also called a point radiometer) is the simplest. It measures radiation one spot at a time, with a simple meter reading showing the temperature of a given spot. The auditor pans the area with the device and notes the differences in temperature. A thermal line scanner shows radiant temperature viewed along a line. The thermogram shows the line scan superimposed over a picture of the panned area. This process shows temperature variations along the line. The most accurate thermographic inspection device is a thermal imaging camera, which produces a 2-dimensional thermal picture of an area showing heat leakage. Spot radiometers and thermal line scanners do not provide the necessary detail for a complete home energy audit. Infrared film used in a conventional camera is not sensitive enough to detect heat loss.
Preparing for a Thermographic Inspection

To prepare for an interior thermal scan, the homeowner should take steps to ensure an accurate result. This may include moving furniture away from exterior walls and removing drapes. The most accurate thermographic images usually occur when there is a large temperature difference (at least 20°F [14°C]) between inside and outside air temperatures. In northern states, thermographic scans are generally done in the winter. In southern states, however, scans are usually conducted during warm weather with the air conditioner on.
Learn More

Department of Energy Resources

• Tracer Technology Center
  Brookhaven National Laboratory

Content Last Updated: September 12, 2005

ENERGY AUDIT ARTICLE:

Ratcheting Residential Energy Codes up to ENERGY STAR 1
Ratcheting Residential Energy Codes up to ENERGY STAR
-- The Long Island Model as an Example of What Can Be Achieved --
Richard Faesy, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
March 2, 2007Introduction
The most cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency of new homes is to raise
the energy code. Instead of making small, incremental improvements with insulation
upgrades or specifying some air sealing details—the standard approach to improving
codes—some communities are taking big steps and moving all the way to the ENERGY
STAR Homes level, reducing home energy use by 20% or more relative to the
International Energy Conservation Code. At the same time, instead of relying on code
officials whose primary focus is (and should be) on fire, health and safety issues, energy
professionals are being engaged to conduct true performance testing that results in homes
that actually achieve the desired code levels. And all of this can be accomplished at no
cost to tax- or rate-payers; only those home buyers who directly benefit from the more
efficient homes pay the cost to get there.
The Long Island Story
Some interesting code enhancements are taking place on Long Island. As the New York
ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes Program has been ramping up since its introduction on
Long Island in 2005, town officials have noticed and have taken some bold steps. In the
towns that host more than half of Long Island’s 4-5,000 new home starts a year, they
have passed ordinances that will require building to New York’s version of ENERGY
STAR Homes standards in April 2008. (These standards include achieving a qualifying
home energy rating, putting in efficient lights and appliances that will result in at least
500 annual kWh savings, installing a mechanical ventilation system and passing a
combustion safety test.) At the same time, the rest of the towns on Long Island are
considering following suit. And the unusual thing about all of this is that a most unlikely
group is leading the charge; the National Association of Home Builders’ local affiliate,
the Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI).
So why is it that the group that traditionally has been the most vocal and active
opposition to raising codes is now leading the way on Long Island? To quote the letter1
that LIBI’s executive vice president, Bob Wieboldt, sent to the Environmental Protection
Agency justifying their actions: “…LIBI endorses the adoption of Residential ENERGY
STAR Construction Standards across Long Island for the following reasons:
• Proven paybacks for homeowners are too rapid to ignore,
• Building industry must join efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependency,
• Code requirements create a market volume large enough to achieve economy of
scale, i.e. lower per unit cost for high SEER equipment, more choices, etc.,
• Market transformation effort of voluntary program was working only slowly,
• Significant coalition pushing for it and we are trying to promote uniform
standards to avoid 70 separate versions.”
One might imagine that it would be nice for homebuilders to position themselves in a
positive light supporting a new initiative instead of once again playing the role of the
opposition. Becoming a supporter of the legislation that was moving ahead with or
without homebuilder support, LIBI was able to negotiate a seat at the table which gave
them an opportunity to help craft the ordinance language to take into account some of
their concerns (like a later implementation date than had originally been proposed),
which would likely not have been considered had they not become partners with the code
sponsors. In addition, LIBI likely also sees revenue and membership opportunities by
becoming the local training resource for the Long Island builders and subcontractors to
teach them what is takes to build to ENERGY STAR.
Code Support Infrastructure
It might sound good on paper to raise the new homes code to ENERGY STAR, but can
this actually be achieved? Why won’t Long Island just end up like other municipalities
that have “raised their codes” yet found that the energy performance of homes did not
really advance? Long Island is taking an approach that has a much greater likelihood of
actually achieving the energy savings by moving compliance away from the building
code officials’ responsibilities and into the marketplace.

On Long Island, a dozen or more nationally-certified Home Energy Rating System
(HERS) energy raters will be working with builders to conduct plan reviews, let them
know what it will take to achieve the New York ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes
standards, train their subcontractors on what they will need to do, provide technical
assistance during construction, conduct inspections, carry out blower door and duct
blaster performance testing of the home upon completion and then generate the necessary
paperwork to document compliance. Officials in the local building departments have
specified the forms they need to see to document compliance. The local utility, the Long
Island Power Authority (LIPA), will provide oversight, tracking and quality assurance
monitoring to ensure HERS rater adherence to the national and New York standards.
LIPA will continue to support these and other beyond-code efforts through their mandate
to transform their markets to become more energy efficient.
While building code officials may still conduct some of the insulation or other energyrelated
inspections, they will undoubtedly welcome being relieved of any obligations to
test and document adherence to ENERGY STAR. This is probably just as well given the
likelihood that:
Similar efforts in Frisco, Texas result in energy raters inspecting more than 4,000 new homes annually to
ensure compliance with their local code level, ENERGY STAR. This effort has been under way for at least
three years and stemmed from excessive air pollution, resulting in increasing home energy codes.
1. Code officials will likely not want to take a week off to become trained and
certified as energy raters;
2. Towns will not necessarily want to purchase $2-3,000 worth of performance
testing equipment for each rater; and
3. Code officials do not have--nor would they necessarily want to take--the required
time on each house to test the air leakage and duct leakage, inspect for all the
energy features, and run the computer energy modeling software to generate the
reports that document ENERGY STAR compliance.
Focusing on fire, health and safety issues in each house is a much higher and best use of
code officials’ time, anyhow.
Additionally, as an electric utility, LIPA justifies its expenses on ENERGY STAR
Homes primarily through the electricity that participating homes save. By setting
lighting and appliance kWh savings standards and utilizing the HERS rater infrastructure
to verify adherence to these standards as part of the ENERGY STAR Homes process,
LIPA is able to justify financial support of the ENERGY STAR Labeled Homes program.
Code officials would not necessarily be willing to count light fixtures or track appliance
model numbers, but HERS raters can charge for this service and support these efforts.
However, LIPA will only be able to justify providing financial support to what is
mandated by law. After a few years helping foster the code transition, they will need to
raise the bar again for their new homes program and provide incentives for even more
efficient homes, with the ultimate target being “zero energy homes”.
Economic Development
Moving the new home code to ENERGY STAR can be done with very little or no cost to
local taxpayers. By utilizing market-based certified HERS energy raters instead of
building code officials, government does not have to increase fees or taxes in order to
achieve this significant new home savings. Energy rating jobs in the local economy are
created and paid for by those who will directly benefit from the reduced energy costs: the
home buyers. Raters will provide their rating services to builders who hire them like any
other sub-contractor. As with all the costs of building a home, these expenses will be
passed along to the person buying the home in the form of the purchase price. Jobs are
created and the buyers who will realize a more efficient home foot the bill.
On Long Island, the cost to upgrade the average new home to ENERGY STAR Home
levels is estimated to be about $4,000, which covers the raters fees (generally in the
$500-$800 range depending on house size and complexity) and the cost for the necessary
improvements. However, the savings that will accrue from this investment will more
than pay for the upgrades from the first year the house is occupied. Specifically,
financing $4,000 as part of the house price will add about $300 per year to the mortgage
payments3. However, annual energy cost savings of $1,150 will more than off-set this
payment increase, resulting in about $850 positive cash flow starting in the first year.
3 Assuming 30 year mortgage at 6.25% interest rate.

Opportunity for Replicability
Long Island is not unique. Ratcheting code up to ENERGY STAR can be done almost
anywhere there exists the political will to save energy. Long Island does not have a lot of
HERS raters currently, but are using the interim time before the new code takes effect to
train and certify raters and educate builders on what it will take to make ENERGY
STAR. LIPA is providing a key support role by helping fund some of the outreach,
helping fund the training of raters, builders and subs, providing loans and grants for
purchasing testing equipment (blower doors, duct blasters, combustion safety equipment,
etc.), and ensuring quality assurance of the rating process. In locations where demandside
management (DSM) programs exist, they can provide assistance and support.
However, DSM programs don’t always have to be in place in order to get started. As
with Long Island, all it took was the passing of the ENERGY STAR ordinance for market
interest in the energy rating business to flourish. This, too, could easily happen elsewhere.

Conclusion

If we are to start getting serious about the environmental and societal costs of our energy
use, cutting new home energy use by 20% or more would be a step in the right direction.
Moving local codes to ENERGY STAR levels can be accomplished at no taxpayer
expense while boosting the local economy through HERS energy rater job creation.
Long Island has proven that this can be done and that the local home builders can
potentially be an ally in the process if they understand the benefits for their association,
members, customers and the environment.

[John McKenna]

Bill,

Do you recommend the i5 for home inspectors?

[rbibler]

Conclusion

If we are to start getting serious about the environmental and societal costs of our energy use, cutting new home energy use by 20% or more would be a step in the right direction.
Moving local codes to ENERGY STAR levels can be accomplished at no taxpayer ? How is this a fact...


expense while boosting the local economy through HERS energy rater job creation. Long Island has proven that this can be done and that the local home builders can potentially be an ally in the process if they understand the benefits for their association,
members, customers and the environment

Do you have the facts for this information ?

This is like setting CAFE STANDARDS Like Congress did and they are up to this one more time with the Cap and Trade or Cap and TAX bILL. thats going to cost each one of us about 3K a year... Ouch

I don't think i like this... Using the code to effect these satandards on our homes just so a few can make a buck...

Best

Ron

[Bill C. Merrell, CMI]

Department of Energy Resources

• Tracer Technology Center
  Brookhaven National Laboratory

Content Last Updated: September 12, 2005

ENERGY AUDIT ARTICLE:

Ron:

This was re-printed from Brookhaven National Laboratories, and as a reprint, I did not alter the article.

Brookhave National Laboratory is a Federal Lab, funded by the Dept. of Defense, and it is located in New York State, approx. 15 miles from our school.

Hope this helps!

Bill
------------------------------------
Hi John:

I have recommended the BCAm, which is also listed in my web site.
From a price point strategy, the i5 will pick up many items and any working thermal imaging camera will benefit the home inspector, as compared to not having one at all.

All the best.

Bill

[Bill C. Merrell, CMI]

John:

I personally like the recent post from Nick for;
http://inspectoroutlet.com/fluke-tir...al-imager.aspx

All the best.
Bill

[Mario A. Kyriacou, CHI]

Bill,

Respectfully, if a home inspector is running around with an i5 IR camera he can potentially set himself up to be laughed out from this industry! This model camera is good for contractors that deal with floods or other water related issues and that's it. As an instructor you should be recommending higher end cameras to all your students.
I recently did a 5000sq ft house with a fellow NACHI HI that is a Level 1 Thermographer. He had his sights set on a BCAM-SD until he used my B360 on this inspection. He is now in the process of purchasing the Flir B400! You can't have too much camera for a regular home inspection Bill, you can however not have enough camera. The Extech i5 is not designed to be used for home inspections.

[Bill C. Merrell, CMI]

I agree that the better the camera, the higher the resolution, the better the result

I agree entirely

Bill