Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector Review. Includes Thermal Leak Detector - TLD100, Bonus Tip Guide...
"This meter is a dandy, especially if you're tech-nerd" 2009-10-08
By G. Stelzenmuller
Even if you are an unfortunate non-tech "regular" person. Man, what fun to aim and read this dandy little hand-held temperature detector. This device reads the temperature difference between a "reference point" and wherever else it is pointed around the house (probably only from the inside!). The trick here is to see where temperatures are somewhat lower than the reference point. The reference point, by the way, should be some wall or surface that you suspect is kind of the "average" temperature of the house. This means that the home owner can more easily track down places where cold outdoor air could be leaking in, or where the insulation does not stop heat losses like they should. Leaks almost certainly will be the big heat loss killers (or heat gain into an air conditioned space inside in the summer).
Once leaks and losses are narrowed down, then a trip to the hardware store to get some caulk, weather stripping, and limited insulation for hopefully less than one hundred dollars will go a long way to spending less on heating and cooling.
A couple notes on this instrument:
- This can read temperature differences up to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit, so there is plenty of range. This can be important for finding dangerous HOT spots around the house, and having little to do with energy savings: heating or stove problems hidden from view, electrical shorts behind the wall, etc.
- You can set the infrared beam to indicate temperature differences of either 1 degree, 5 degrees, or 10 degrees, giving you a good choice of the sensitivity you are inspecting; and the differences are visual - a green spot for temperature within allowed limits, red spot for too hot, and blue spot for cold beyond the limited tested.
- Windows and transparent surfaces (and probably shiny surfaces) will not test well with the instrument. Not a big deal.
This tool is an excellent buy.
"heat detector works great" 2009-06-05
By D. Campbell (Baltimore, MD)
This is a big improvement over the regular thermal detectors (I have a Craftsman I was given as a gift already). Instead of trying to keep looking at the ever-changing digital readout - this tool allows you to look right at where you are pointing it to see the changes in hot or cold. Fun and much easier to use than the regular variety.
"Not just a toy." 2009-07-31
By J. A. Cox (Oswego, IL)
I haven't had my Leak Detector very long, but I already used it on all my appliances and also found the south wall of my home has some major air leaks.
Great for checking that pesky bottom drawer in the fridge that always freezes your vegetables,too. Finally got it set right.
Will be checking the insulation in my attic and boxing as soon as it starts to get cold and windy.
My son owns a remodeling business, and he has already asked me to borrow it a couple of times for different jobs. He likes it alot. He found a hot spot in light fixture wiring thru the drywall. Lifesaver.
"Great Item" 2009-05-15
By P. Lavery (USA)
This product worked just like it said it would. I was able to narrow down where some of my heat was escaping. I'm excited to compare next years heating bill with this year so I can see just how much I'm saving. This product was definitely worth the money.
"Handy infrared Thermometer with color beam" 2009-07-16
By Hypogirl80 (Texas)
Bought this tool 3 weeks ago. Used many many times already. sensitive and accurate, The color beam makes this tool so easy and fun to use, I won't get one without it. The only suggestion I have is the temperature setting only has 1 degree, 5 degree, and 10 degree, I wish they have 2, 3 , and 4 degree settings too. Anyway, this is an excellent tool, I bet you will find many many different ways to use it.
By G. Stelzenmuller
Even if you are an unfortunate non-tech "regular" person. Man, what fun to aim and read this dandy little hand-held temperature detector. This device reads the temperature difference between a "reference point" and wherever else it is pointed around the house (probably only from the inside!). The trick here is to see where temperatures are somewhat lower than the reference point. The reference point, by the way, should be some wall or surface that you suspect is kind of the "average" temperature of the house. This means that the home owner can more easily track down places where cold outdoor air could be leaking in, or where the insulation does not stop heat losses like they should. Leaks almost certainly will be the big heat loss killers (or heat gain into an air conditioned space inside in the summer).
Once leaks and losses are narrowed down, then a trip to the hardware store to get some caulk, weather stripping, and limited insulation for hopefully less than one hundred dollars will go a long way to spending less on heating and cooling.
A couple notes on this instrument:
- This can read temperature differences up to about 300 degrees Fahrenheit, so there is plenty of range. This can be important for finding dangerous HOT spots around the house, and having little to do with energy savings: heating or stove problems hidden from view, electrical shorts behind the wall, etc.
- You can set the infrared beam to indicate temperature differences of either 1 degree, 5 degrees, or 10 degrees, giving you a good choice of the sensitivity you are inspecting; and the differences are visual - a green spot for temperature within allowed limits, red spot for too hot, and blue spot for cold beyond the limited tested.
- Windows and transparent surfaces (and probably shiny surfaces) will not test well with the instrument. Not a big deal.
This tool is an excellent buy.
By D. Campbell (Baltimore, MD)
This is a big improvement over the regular thermal detectors (I have a Craftsman I was given as a gift already). Instead of trying to keep looking at the ever-changing digital readout - this tool allows you to look right at where you are pointing it to see the changes in hot or cold. Fun and much easier to use than the regular variety.
By J. A. Cox (Oswego, IL)
I haven't had my Leak Detector very long, but I already used it on all my appliances and also found the south wall of my home has some major air leaks.
Great for checking that pesky bottom drawer in the fridge that always freezes your vegetables,too. Finally got it set right.
Will be checking the insulation in my attic and boxing as soon as it starts to get cold and windy.
My son owns a remodeling business, and he has already asked me to borrow it a couple of times for different jobs. He likes it alot. He found a hot spot in light fixture wiring thru the drywall. Lifesaver.
By P. Lavery (USA)
This product worked just like it said it would. I was able to narrow down where some of my heat was escaping. I'm excited to compare next years heating bill with this year so I can see just how much I'm saving. This product was definitely worth the money.
By Hypogirl80 (Texas)
Bought this tool 3 weeks ago. Used many many times already. sensitive and accurate, The color beam makes this tool so easy and fun to use, I won't get one without it. The only suggestion I have is the temperature setting only has 1 degree, 5 degree, and 10 degree, I wish they have 2, 3 , and 4 degree settings too. Anyway, this is an excellent tool, I bet you will find many many different ways to use it.
