The Hidden Water Problem
Water intrusion is the root cause of the majority of mold events in HVAC systems. But moisture inside ductwork is typically invisible until structural damage — rust, delamination, or visible mold — has already developed. By that point, remediation costs are significantly higher and contamination may have spread through the duct system.
How Thermal Imaging Detects Moisture
Water has a significantly higher thermal mass than air and duct materials. Wet areas retain heat differently than dry surfaces, creating measurable temperature differentials that are invisible to optical cameras but clearly visible to thermal sensors. The VD-FID's integrated thermal array detects these differentials with sensitivity below 0.05°C NETD — identifying moisture intrusion at the earliest possible stage.
Active Leak vs. Residual Moisture
Thermal imaging can distinguish between active water leaks (showing dynamic temperature changes) and residual moisture from past events (showing static cool zones). This distinction is critical for insurance claims and litigation — establishing whether a water event is ongoing or historical.
Thermal Mapping for Documentation
The VD-FID generates thermal maps of duct sections — visual records showing the temperature distribution across duct surfaces. These maps provide defensible documentation of moisture conditions for insurance claims, remediation scope definition, and post-repair verification.
VD-FID Forensic Ductoscope
SpectraSwitch™ technology provides white LED, UV 365/405 nm, and thermal/IR in a single probe for complete forensic evidence collection.
View VD-FID Specifications