Securing Large Property Homes with Thermal Imaging

The Wall Street Journal ran a story today in their Real Estate section called Spending Millions to Keep a Home Safe (subscription required). The article highlights how some homeowners secure high-end residential homes, including the latest technology. The story features FLIR CEO Andy Teich, who uses some of FLIR’s top-end thermal cameras to secure his home.

Thermal imaging-equipped security cameras designed to protect perimeters have seen broad use for years in commercial settings, such as airports, shipping ports, business campuses and even nuclear power plants. As the costs of thermal imaging cores continue to drop thanks to FLIR building smaller thermal sensors like Lepton or the higher performance Boson, we’re seeing more and more use in residential settings, particularly in larger, luxury homes.

See in the dark and through elements – This is the superpower that sets thermal apart from any other technology. Unlike traditional infrared (IR)-illuminated night vision, thermal imaging does not require ambient light. Rather, it sees the heat of objects or potential intruders, even through rain and light fog.

Long range detection – Standard, lower-end visible cameras have limited range. Thermal cameras can pick up the heat signature of intruders at greater distances. Even if you can’t tell who it is, thermal will alert you someone is on your property—giving you more time to react.

Fewer false alarms – IR-illuminated security cameras are notorious for false alarms caused by rain, snow, or even bugs reflecting light back into the lens. Thermal cameras, however, are immune to these types of distractions, resulting in fewer false alarms.

Military-grade technology – Thermal imaging has been used for decades by the world’s top militaries. The recent commercialization of this technology has led to advancements in accompanying technologies such as analytics and in the future, may be affordable for most homeowners.

For more information about FLIR thermal security products for residential use, visit our thermal security page.