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When checking an AC condenser with infrared, the coil image can tell you a lot about the condition and coolant charge. I know of no other way to detect coil restrictions. Most units have at least 6 sections, each fed by small (~1/8") tubes. Their size makes them vulnerable to clogging. If several become restricted, heat dissipation and efficiency are affected. A severe condition can result in liquid coolant re-entering the compressor, resulting in excessive wear and premature failure. This was reported with one of the units shown. (Note: Due to variations of condenser capacity, some manufacturers may not use every coil section, and one restricted section may not constitute a problem.)
 
A 10 section coil condenser less than one year old.
This one has a normal IR signature.
Some AC technicians have told me, they charge systems according to coolant line temperatures, rather than pressure. I often used a ΔT of the condenser coolant lines, along with heat rise, and a ΔT of the air across the evaporator coil to evaluate the operation of central air systems. I have also used this method on commercial chilled-water systems, and residential geothermal units. (Of course, copper is not a great emitter. Electrical tape or adhesive paper stickers are necessary for more accurate readings.)
 
Another 10 section coil condenser also less than one year old.
This one shows about a 40% restriction of the coils. The efficiency was diminished about 15%.
If significant coolant gas leaks are suspected, the power to the condenser can be shut down to stop the circulation fan. The condenser is then observed with IR while the system is still under pressure.
I look at the attic ductwork for air leaks. However, some of the most important system air leak finds, have been at floor joist bays of 2 story homes. Also, at unsealed air return chases, that can be drawing in hot attic or exterior air.
P.S. I am not a certified thermographer. I have some experience with analytical Infrared Spectroscopy. Rob Raymer and Barry Hirst both were kind enough to provide me with a beginning IR microbolometer education. I read everything I could find, including competitors’ primers and camera specs. I took the online BCAM course when it became available. Mainly, I began practicing with a ThermaCAM at inspections where the clients were not present. I accounted for all thermal anomalies observed, and soon felt comfortable offering a limited residential IR service. I had reasonable success with this marketing strategy, and believed I was providing a worthwhile service to clients.
Robert earns 8 ITC certification renewal points for his article - Editor
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I just take an infrared picture of our power line system and i found some "hot spot" at the lighting pole (see attached image), i consider that the hot spot is just a reflection due to low emissivity of the fuse cut out holder materials (stainless steel), and there is no thermal gradient on the isolator, but one of them show the different pattern, can someone explain this anomaly ? 
Please i would appreciate any comments about this image. This is a 34.5kv bus, i found hot spot almost in the bottom of the insulator. according your experience, can you tell me what is producing this hot spot?.. what we did in order to eliminate any disturbing noise was: take images from several angles in order to avoid reflections; clean superficially with alcohol any dust or contaminant (using high voltage equipment to do so); ground wire doesn't finished that high, so it is possible that high voltage wire inside be broken??
I am looking to make professional contacts for my work on and with bald eagles in Alaska. It is becoming quite obvious through my volunteer work at the local Bird rehab facility that thermography can be invaluable for assessing; diagnosis, monitoring and documenting the condition of bird in care. Overall high temperatures and designated area averages seem to also be useful in whether the birds may be fevered or hypothermic. I would like to apply my work to oil spill rehabilitation both of birds and mammals. Can anyone help me pursue these new experimental and promising ideas?
