On Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:59:15 -0500, blueman wrote:

Tony Hwang writes:

benick wrote:
"blueman" wrote in message
...
I am trying to chase down drafts in my house and would like to get
advice on the best way to detect air leaks. I have seen the following
suggestions and/or products on the net and would like to get feedback
from real world experience:

So far, I have seen the following:
1. Packaged "smoke" -- watch the smoke below
2. Use a candle -- watch the flame blow
3. Build a contraption with a paper clip, an eye dropper, and some
plastic tubing - supposedly it amplifies the sound of an air leak but
the details of how to use it were sketchy
4. Suspend a 5"x10" strip of cellophane or plastic bag from a pencil and
watch it blow
5. Buy a B&D thermal detector (about $50) - but not sure if a device at
that price is any good and the more expensive pro devices are
probably not worth it for my limited use
6. Other ideas???

So, what do all you experts out there recommend based on your personal
and/or professional experiences?

Thanks




SWMBO...LOL..Just kidding...What kind of drafts are you looking for ???
Windows , doors , ect. , or the whole house ???
Hi,
IR picture in the winter.

Can one buy or rent one for a reasonable price?
Or are there any tricks to getting an IR picture with a regular digital
camera or camcorder?

It's possible to modify some digital cameras to capture IR by removing
the IR filter over the sensor array, but the mods I've seen are not
reversable and start with a high end camera...so not practical for one
time use.

Have you considered having an energy audit done? A pro brings in a
blower door, thermal camera, and other gear. You get details on where
you need to do air sealing and where to beef up insulation. Costs
several hundred, but can save that much by telling you where best to
spend your time and dollars to get max improvement.

The blower door lets them find all the air leaks, and the IR camera
will spot insulation voids, etc.

Paul F.