FLIR ONE PRO

Key Takeaways
  • Pocket-Sized Power: The FLIR ONE Pro transforms your smartphone into a professional thermal imaging camera with -4°F to 752°F range
  • One-Hour Operation: Full charge provides approximately one hour of continuous testing time for typical service calls
  • HVAC Applications: Instantly diagnose compressor operation, airflow issues, electrical problems, and refrigerant line temperatures
  • Simple Setup: Download the app, plug in the device, and start capturing thermal images, videos, or time-lapse recordings

Transform Your Smartphone Into a Professional Thermal Camera

The FLIR ONE Pro is a compact, pocket-sized thermal imaging camera that transforms your mobile device into a powerful diagnostic tool. Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, this thermal imager brings professional-grade temperature visualization to HVAC technicians without the bulk or expense of traditional thermal cameras.

What’s in the Box

The FLIR ONE Pro arrives as a complete package, including:

  • The thermal imaging device itself
  • Protective carrying case
  • USB charging cable and adapter

The device requires approximately one hour for a full charge and delivers about one hour of continuous testing time – perfect for most service calls and diagnostic sessions.

Quick Setup and Operation

Getting started with the FLIR ONE Pro couldn’t be simpler:

  1. Download the free FLIR ONE app from your device’s app store
  2. Launch the application
  3. Plug the FLIR ONE Pro into your mobile device’s charging port
  4. Start capturing thermal data immediately

The intuitive app interface provides three capture modes to suit different diagnostic needs:

  • Still Image: Capture individual thermal photographs for documentation
  • Video: Record thermal changes over time during system operation
  • Time-Lapse: Monitor gradual temperature changes during extended testing

Technical Specifications

Temperature Range and Accuracy

  • Test Range: -20°C to 400°C (-4°F to 752°F)
  • Accuracy: ±5% of reading
  • Operating Temperature: 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F)

These specifications make the FLIR ONE Pro suitable for virtually all HVAC applications, from freezer systems to high-temperature heating equipment.

Real-World HVAC Applications

The FLIR ONE Pro excels at revealing temperature patterns invisible to the naked eye, providing HVAC technicians with critical diagnostic information. Here are key components and systems you can effectively test:

Refrigeration System Components

  • Compressors: Monitor operating temperatures and identify overheating issues
  • Evaporators: Detect frost patterns and uneven cooling
  • Condensers: Verify proper heat rejection and identify blocked sections
  • Receivers: Check liquid levels and temperature stratification
  • Refrigerant Lines: Instantly distinguish between liquid lines and suction lines

Airflow and Distribution

  • Supply Ducts: Identify temperature losses and insulation failures
  • Return Air: Detect infiltration and mixing issues
  • Diffusers: Verify proper air distribution patterns

Electrical Components

  • Breaker Panels: Spot overloaded circuits and loose connections
  • Disconnect Switches: Identify hot spots indicating resistance problems
  • Motors: Monitor bearing temperatures and winding hot spots

Field Examples and Applications

Chest Freezer Compressor in Mid-Operation

This thermal image clearly shows the compressor’s heat signature during normal operation, allowing technicians to quickly assess operating conditions and identify potential issues.

Warehouse Rooftop Supply Air Duct

Temperature variations in ductwork become immediately visible, helping identify insulation failures or air leakage points that impact system efficiency.

Chiller Recirculation Pump

Pump motor and bearing temperatures are easily monitored, enabling predictive maintenance before catastrophic failures occur.

Liquid Line vs. Suction Line on Freezer Condensing Unit

The temperature differential between liquid and suction lines provides instant verification of proper system operation and refrigerant flow.

Video Demonstration

Maximizing Your Diagnostic Capabilities

The FLIR ONE Pro provides HVAC technicians with diagnostic capabilities that would otherwise require expensive, bulky equipment. By visualizing temperature patterns, you can quickly identify issues that might take hours to diagnose using traditional methods. This tool is particularly valuable when working with complex BMS-controlled systems where multiple components interact.

When troubleshooting heat pump systems, the FLIR ONE Pro can instantly show you whether the reversing valve is operating correctly by comparing line temperatures in heating versus cooling modes. Similarly, when performing preventive maintenance inspections, thermal imaging can reveal developing problems before they cause system failures.

Advanced diagnostic tools like the FLIR ONE Pro set professional technicians apart from the competition. Property.com’s ‘Know Before You Go‘ tool takes this advantage even further by providing critical property information before you arrive on-site. Access homeowner insights, equipment history, and potential upgrade opportunities to maximize every service call. Learn how Property.com helps HVAC pros close more high-value jobs with exclusive market positioning.

Conclusion

The FLIR ONE Pro transforms your smartphone into a powerful diagnostic tool that fits in your pocket. With its simple setup, one-hour battery life, and comprehensive temperature range, it’s an invaluable addition to any HVAC technician’s toolkit. Whether you’re verifying proper heat load calculations or troubleshooting complex refrigeration systems, thermal imaging provides the visual confirmation needed to diagnose problems quickly and accurately.

The ability to capture still images, videos, and time-lapse recordings means you can document issues for customers, create training materials, or monitor system performance over time. For HVAC professionals serious about efficiency and accuracy in their diagnostic work, the FLIR ONE Pro delivers professional-grade thermal imaging at a fraction of the cost of traditional thermal cameras.

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Gary McCreadie

Gary McCreadie is an HVAC tech, the creator of hvacknowitall.com, the HVAC Know It All Podcast, and owner of McCreadie HVAC & Refrigeration Services

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