Energy consumption and efficiency are high priorities in today’s world. As a heating, cooling, and refrigerant professional, I’m constantly battling unwanted heat loss and heat gain. But in order to combat problem areas, it’s important to have the proper tools to help find them. The Flir One Edge Pro does exactly that. This compact, simple-to-use infrared device allows me to quickly and accurately see where heat is escaping or entering in real time. Not only does a tool like this make my job easier, but being able to visually document my work with photos is a great way for me to prove to my customers that I have identified the problem and to give them visual confirmation once I’ve resolved it.

Mobile phone–compatible infrared devices have been around for a while now, and the Flir One Edge Pro has many of the same benefits as Flir’s previous models. It’s solidly built, features a compact design, and has a spring function that allows the user to clip it to a mobile device. But what makes this tool truly stand apart is its ability to operate independently of the mobile device. That may not seem like a big deal, but not all problems are located at eye level in an open space. Being able to point the camera into awkward, hard-to-reach areas with one hand and see the results on the phone in my other hand can often keep me from having to climb into tight spaces or crawl around on my hands and knees.

Setup only takes a minute and is as simple as connecting a Bluetooth device on your mobile phone. The Flir One Edge Pro has great battery life with a quick recharge period, and compared to other infrared devices I’ve owned, it’s reasonably priced at $500. I also highly recommend buying the optional case for $30.

Wil Fonder, an HVAC and refrigerant specialist in Prior Lake, Minn.

Photos: courtesy of the manufacturer

From Fine Homebuilding #320

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