Thermal cameras are simple to point and shoot, but several easy mistakes lead to wrong conclusions. Here are the common ones, and how to take care of your camera.
Common mistakes
- Scanning through glass. Windows reflect thermal radiation. You will see a reflection, not the room.
- Ignoring emissivity. Shiny metal reads cooler than it is. See our emissivity guide.
- Mistaking reflections for hot spots. Change your angle. A real hot spot stays put.
- Scanning in poor conditions. Strong sun, wind and rain all disturb surface temperatures. Pick calmer conditions.
- Standing too far away. Small targets need to fill several pixels for a trustworthy reading.
- Judging by color alone. Auto-ranging changes what each color means. Read the scale.
- Treating a thermal image as proof. It is a clue. Confirm moisture, electrical faults and structural concerns with the right tool or a qualified professional.
Looking after your camera
- Never point it at the sun or other intense heat sources. Very strong sources can damage the sensor.
- Protect the lens. Do not touch it. Clean gently with a soft, dry lens cloth and avoid harsh chemicals.
- Expect the occasional click. Many cameras briefly recalibrate themselves with a shutter. That is normal.
- Let it warm up. Give the camera a minute or two to stabilise before relying on readings.
- Store sensibly. Keep it in a case, away from extreme temperatures and moisture, and do not leave a lithium battery fully drained for long periods.
- Update firmware and apps when the manufacturer offers fixes.
If something is wrong
If your camera stops working as expected, check our 2-year warranty and contact us.
New to thermal imaging? Start with how thermal cameras work and the buyer's guide.