Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector [Finds Drafts, Cuts Heating/Cooling Bills]

It’s been a while since we featured any gadgets here on TFTS that come under the banner of being ‘green’ but this Thermal Leak Detector from Black & Decker certainly fits the bill in allowing you to scan for drafts that, once dealt with, could see you saving on the amount of energy required to heat your home.

The Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector works by detecting changes in ambient temperature of between 1, 5 or 10 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the settings you opt for with the device warning you when it detects wither cold or hot spots with a blue and red warning light respectively and, according to Black & Decker’s official product page, could lead to you saving up to 20% of your current heating (and, for that matter, cooling) costs should you deal with the detected cold/hot spots effectively.

Black & Decker’s Thermal Leak Detector helps reduce energy costs by finding energy leaks in your home. You’ll instantly identify problem areas around drafty windows and doors, and uncover hidden leaks and insulation “soft spots” around electrical outlets, recessed lights, and along floor molding. Shine the light on the wall and set the reference temperature. Reference temperature shows surface deviation from reference temp. Move the light around your house. When the temp changes by 1, 5 or 10 degrees F (user adjustable), the light will change to red or blue to indicate a hot or cold spot.

Energy Star states that plugging the leaks and drafts in your home can save up to 20% off your heating and cooling energy costs. Applications Use for seasonal home inspections Find hidden leaks around doors, floors, walls, pipes, ducts, windows and more Use to check temperatures of surfaces you can’t touch Check to make sure your HVAC is working properly Diagnose engine misfires Check ceiling insulation around recessed lights Check for drafts around the fireplace Confirm that your fridge and freeze settings are correct And many more applications.

Great for scanning your homes windows and doors whilst shouting the almost obligatory ‘set phasers to stun’ the Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector is set for release sometime in 2009 (though at the time of writing no specific date of release has been provided) and will retail for around $40.