EP225 Beyond the Image: Lessons in Humility and Heat Transfer with Matt Schwoegler (June 2025)

In this engaging and insightful episode of the Building HVAC Science podcast, Eric Kaiser and Bill Spohn welcome Matt Schwoegler, founder of Blaze Infrared and longtime thermography educator. Matt shares his unexpected journey into the world of infrared—from a marketing career in the ski industry to teaching thousands about heat transfer and thermal imaging. With deep humility and clarity, he walks us through critical lessons from his 20+ year career, including some humorous—and humbling—stories from the field.

Matt discusses how interpreting thermal images isn't as straightforward as it seems. From false positives caused by built-in heaters to paint that doesn't behave as expected, we hear real-world examples that underscore the importance of formal training and mentorship in thermography. He emphasizes that while technology has become more affordable, the need for skill and knowledge has only grown.

The conversation closes with a compelling call to approach thermography with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning. Matt pays tribute to the mentors who shaped his path and encourages listeners to seek guidance, invest in training, and pay it forward.

Matt's quotes from the episode:
"The price of the camera has nothing to do with your ability to use it well." 

"Humility is one of the most important qualities of a great trainer." 

• "Infrared is like a hammer—easy to pick up, but only a skilled builder knows what to do with it."

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Here are a few standards Matt references:

ASTM C1060- Standard Practice for Thermographic Inspection of Insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings (https://www.astm.org/c1060-11ar15.html)

states your need a 10 C / 18 F delta T to check for missing or poorly performing insulation

solar loading is referenced, that's where the 3 hr wait for wood frame buildings and up to 8 hrs for masonry structures comes from - That's how long the surface needs to be devoid of direct sunshine before inspecting with IR.

 

ASTM E1186 - Standard Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems (https://www.astm.org/e1186-22.html) NOTE IR Mentioned in 1186 as one of the pressure test methods.

 states 5 C / 9 F delta T to see air leakage sites with IR

 

ASTM E779 Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization (https://www.astm.org/e0779-19.html)

 

Blaze Infrared: https://blazeinfrared.com/

Infrared Training Center (ITC): https://www.infraredtraining.com/

Matt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-schwoegler/

 

1 hour Video on Thermography basics from The TruTech Tools Library:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qgCZCY6JCs

 

 

This episode was recorded in June 2025.