Thermographers need to be trained, the scope of services provided must be defined, and a framework with which to integrate them into the program has to be established. A system must be developed for reporting the thermal findings. A whole, integrated system includes an electronic infrared imaging camera, a power source, and a recording device. Image processing or report generation software is another option, but may be beyond one's everyday needs. The selection process can be confusing, but there are some excellent choices out there.
Many people now have experience using the equipment and can share it.
Radiation thermometers sense over a very small area and convert the radiant energy into an apparent temperature value. That is too large to monitor insulation quality or easily detect voids. To inspect an entire house with such a device is impossible. Both work well for weatherization applications. Each type of system detects invisible infrared radiation and visually portrays thermal differences as small a 0.5deg.