We’ve tested professional thermal imaging cameras from makers like Milwaukee Tool, but the Seek Thermal camera stands out because it turns your smartphone into a thermal imager. Install the free app, attach the compact camera to your iOS or Android device, and you can immediately view thermal images and capture photos and video directly on your phone or tablet.
At a retail price of $249, the device plugs into smartphones and converts infrared energy into a visible thermal image. That lets homeowners and DIYers detect hidden issues such as water intrusion, electrical hotspots, HVAC shortcomings, and insulation gaps. By revealing where heat is escaping or accumulating, it can also help identify opportunities to lower energy bills.
We captured several images while testing the camera. Even with our floor heater reduced to just a pilot light, the sensor clearly showed heat leaking from the unit. A kettle left on the stove for a couple of hours still registered warm, demonstrating the camera’s sensitivity to residual heat. The thermal view also revealed my reflected body heat in a mirror and highlighted temperature differences on our refrigerator.
This compact tool delivers immediate, easy-to-interpret results, making it particularly useful for at-home energy audits and basic diagnostic work without the need for professional equipment.
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