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Are You Losing Money Through Your Walls?

Writer: Dustin WieboldDustin Wiebold

Updated: Mar 3




How Thermal Imaging and Energy-Efficient Construction Can Save You Thousands

The Problem: The Silent Energy Drain


Imagine stepping into your home or workspace during t.he peak of summer or the dead of winter, only to find that your heating or cooling system is working overtime. You adjust the thermostat, but the discomfort lingers. Meanwhile, your energy bills keep climbing. What if the problem isn’t your HVAC system but the very walls around you?


Hidden energy leaks are a common but often undetected issue in residential and commercial buildings. Poor insulation, air gaps, and thermal bridging can cause significant heat loss in winter and unwanted heat gain in summer. This means your HVAC system must work harder, consuming more energy and increasing your costs. The challenge? Many of these inefficiencies are invisible to the naked eye.



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Thermal camera

The Solution: Thermal Imaging for Energy-Efficient Construction


This is where an infrared thermal inspection steps in. Using advanced infrared imaging, these cameras detect temperature variations across surfaces, revealing where energy is escaping. The results can highlight areas of poor insulation, unsealed air leaks, and structural inefficiencies that traditional inspections often miss.


At Performance by Design, we incorporate thermal imaging technology throughout the project to assess the energy performance of buildings, ensuring that every structure we design is optimized for maximum thermal efficiency. We specialize in structural insulated panels (SIPs) and other sustainable building solutions that significantly improve a building’s energy efficiency.



Tips to Identify Energy Issues in Your Build

If you suspect your home or commercial space is leaking energy, here are a few signs and solutions:



  1. Cold or Hot Spots on Walls & Ceilings – If some areas feel significantly colder or warmer than others, this could indicate insulation gaps. A thermal imaging inspection can pinpoint exactly where reinforcement is needed.

  2. Drafts Near Windows and Doors – Stand near windows and doors; if you feel drafts even when they’re closed, air leaks are likely. Sealing gaps with weather stripping or caulk can help.

  3. Uneven Room Temperatures – If one room is consistently warmer or colder than others, poor insulation or duct leakage could be the culprit.

  4. Escalating Energy Bills – If your heating and cooling costs are rising without a clear reason, your building envelope may be compromised, leading to heat loss or gain.

  5. HVAC System Running Constantly – A well-insulated and airtight building allows your heating and cooling system to work efficiently. If your system runs nonstop, it may be compensating for energy inefficiencies.







Build It Right with Performance by Design


At Performance by Design, we don’t just build structures; we engineer them for maximum energy efficiency and performance. By integrating blower door testing and thermal imaging technology into our building performance analysis, we ensure that your home or commercial build retains heat in winter, stays cool in summer, and operates at peak energy efficiency year-round.


If you’re planning a new build , let’s talk.



Contact Performance by Design today to discuss how we can help you design and build a home that reduces heating and cooling costs and build smarter with sustainable building practices.




 

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Performance By Design

23306 Cree St, NW Suite 105

St. Francis, MN 55070

Phone: 763-220-0004

MN Builder's License: BC782020

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