Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector Review

Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector

With all the talk about saving energy these days we wanted test a tool that helps you located potentially hidden problems with your buildings insulation. So we contacted Black & Decker and asked if we could test their TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector.

The Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector can help home owners track down costly leaks and drafts around the home. The TLD100 uses infrared sensors to measure the surface temperature of items like floors, walls, window and door mouldings, edges of recessed lights etc. The hand held device allows you to check for differences in surrounding temperatures of intervals of 1°F, 5°F and 10°F. It also shines a color coded light at the surface so you can visually detect differences of the same temperature levels.

Our Thoughts

We tested the Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector around the house the last few days during some really cold weather. We found the LTD100 easy to use and an accurate representation of hot and cold spots based on our experience.

In the photo above you can see some images of how the detector works. In the photo to the left you see the detector aimed at the floor with a temperature of 72.6°F and a “green” spot on the floor. In the photo to the right you see the detector at 66.5°F aimed at a door frame and the “blue” spot.

The detector is quite sensitive and able to pick up slight differences in surface temperatures. We were able to identify the location of radiant heat tubes below the finished flooring with some accuracy. The colored light feature is really nice and makes the detector much easier to use while hunting for cold/hot spots.

Overall we were really impressed with this cool new tool. Once you practice with it for a few minutes its very easy to run around the house searching for leaks and drafts. What we like most is it’s price point. The TLD100 sells for under $50 compared to infrared cameras that cost 10 to 100 times that amount. The TLD100 is a product that is definitely worth it’s price.

Where To Buy

If you’d like to buy the Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector it is now available at hardware stores, big box stores and online at Amazon.
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