They might not seem like the most comprehensive tool on the planet, but thermometers do quite a bit. They have also come quite a long way from the days when simple glass thermometers were the only game in town.
For instance, one of the coolest and simplest thermometers out there is the infrared thermometer. As it turns out, this simple little device can be used for a plethora of different things. These are perhaps the most common uses of infrared thermometers.
Body Temperature
Perhaps the most common use of infrared thermometers is to read body temperature. For a long time, thermometers were of the glass and mercury variety, simple but effective. Since then, digital thermometers – particularly the infrared kind – have become the most commonplace.
For the most part, we take temperature once in a while when feeling under the weather. For families with children, reading temperatures is a fairly common thing. Infrared thermometers work to get a fast body temperature reading, typically when pointed at the forehead. Readings are produced in a second or two at the most, allowing the user to get the information they need to move on to a potential treatment option.
Cooking
Temperature is a critical thing when it comes to cooking. For some dishes, remaining on the heat for even a moment too long can ruin it. For that reason, infrared thermometers are great to have in the kitchen, especially if you cook somewhat complicated meals on a regular basis. Some are skilled enough to go based on experience, but those people are few and far between.
An infrared thermometer can provide a temperature reading in just a second, allowing for split-second decisions to be made. When cooking things like meat that can go from medium to medium-well in an instant, an infrared thermometer is a must-have for any kitchen. Just make sure that you have one created specifically for kitchen settings as other infrared thermometers may not produce a fast enough reading to fit the need.
Checking Insulation
Energy efficiency is critical for homeowners in this day and age. Part of it is to have a lighter impact on the environment but the real reason is to help cut down on monthly energy bills. One of the best ways to become more efficient is to check for gaps and openings that allow air to flow freely from inside to outside and vice versa.
Infrared thermometers are a great way to locate spots that fit that description. They can locate spots that are compromising your home heating and cooling bills so that they can be addressed in short order. Whether that means sealing that area off or adding more insulation, having a thermometer goes a long way toward making your home a lot more efficient in the process.
Automotive Repair
Working on vehicles is a distinct skill. Given the relatively small spaces in which mechanics work, having the right tool on hand can become invaluable. Heat is a key measurement when checking the viability and reliability of certain components, so it only stands to reason that an infrared thermometer would become an effective tool.
The inside of an engine gets hot, but a thermometer makes it easy to find trouble areas without having to get into the engine and remove things. Think of it as a diagnostic tool that can help to potentially locate problem areas without having to invest both time and money into the process. Getting as much information as possible is key for mechanics and having a reliable infrared thermometer may wind up being the most important tool in your arsenal.