It's getting cold outside, and that chilly air is trying to sneak into your house. This Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector could help you save 20% on energy costs by showing you where those leaks are. Shining its magic light on trouble spots shows you temperature changes a small as 1 degree, the tiny spotlight turning blue when it finds a problem area.
Once you've identified those leaks, the hardest part is plugging them up. Black & Decker has a pretty good idea here: help customers identify problems that require Black & Decker tools to fix. Nice. But if you really could save 20% on heating and cooling, this $40 tool could pay for itself in no time. Too bad it won't be available until the coldest weather has already blown through — Spring, 2009.
Black & Decker, via Oh Gizmo
editor@dvice.com
By Electronic Gadgets at 2:20 PM ON 12/07/08
This would be great if it can spot real heat/cool leaks but there will always be a difference between a wall and a window and almost all windows will show leaks around them.
By Chicago Energy Consultants at 9:44 AM ON 12/08/08
Many materials have different 'emissivity' values, and these types of devices almost always assume a fixed emissivity value, so it is possible to get readings that are way off from certain materials, especially polished metals. Once you understand that, and how the detector optics focus the IR energy into the detector, these tools can be invaluable in pinpointing missing or mis-aligned insulation in an attic or wall cavities. They take patience to use correctly, scanning a whole wall can take some time.
Air leaks are important to try to detect, however in the winter heating season, the most important leaks to seal are those where warm air is leaking OUT of the building (ceilings / attics), so unless the building is depressurized by turning on exhaust fans (and cold air is being sucked in through any holes), IR devices wouldn't find leaks.
The light on this device is a fun gimmick, though it may have value if it projects a light that matches the collector optics exactly.
By Get a clue at 11:30 PM ON 12/08/08
It's just an infrared thermometer with a blue led. They usually have lasers. You can find the same thing for half the price and do the same thing.
By Sam at 9:41 AM ON 12/17/08
So, what if you took it outside and looked in with it... ?
By Bob at 2:10 PM ON 12/27/08
WOW ! It's wonderful ! Where can i buy it ? Is it sold in Italy ? I want it ! And i want it now ! Please. help me !