James Petrides, Mechanical Insulators LMCT Senior Mechanical Insulation Specialist, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the public’s lack of knowledge about mechanical insulation and detailed how Mechanical Insulation Energy Audits are performed.
After giving an overview of his background, Petrides explained what mechanical insulation is and the important role it plays in buildings. He then spoke about the significant savings -- both monetarily and from an energy usage standpoint -- that occur when building owners choose to have mechanical insulation properly installed. He said many people do not understand that mechanical insulation has to be in the engineering specs for it to be installed on a mechanical system.
This lack of understanding, Petrides explained, is due to insufficient marketing of the mechanical insulation industry. A lack of awareness is hindering the industry as potential customers do not truly understand the true value of mechanical insulation. The LMCT is trying to market the value of mechanical insulation to trade schools and individuals in the workforce. This is in addition to supporting state and federal legislation to promote the use of mechanical insulation.
Petrides then discussed what a Mechanical Insulation Energy Audit is and how it helps create jobs for members of the Insulators Union. During the audit, thermal equipment measures the effect of missing, damaged or insufficient mechanical insulation through the use of an infrared camera. The thermal image cameras show heat loss and generate data that can be plugged into a computer system in order to actually quantify the energy loss and potential savings through the proper application of mechanical insulation. He encouraged anyone who needs a Mechanical Insulation Energy Audit to contact him or through the information found on the LMCT website.
Listen to the entire episode to hear more about the benefits of a Mechanical Insulation Energy Audit: