Need for a simple to use device that gives good estimates of heat loss from a building or machines exists. This device uses a radiation and convection heat loss detector to answer this need. Radiation from an extended surface area as at (22) is detected with a sensor (40) having a wide field of view closely matching that of an associated camera (24). By simultaneously photographing the surface area at (22) of interest and detecting the radiation from that same area at (22), a clear record as in Fig. 2 is provided for future use. A wide band radiation sensor (40) is used. Compensation for environmental radiation is made by first viewing the environment with the sensor (40) and holding the sensed signal and then subtracting that signal from the flux detected when the sensor (40) faces the extended surface area. The date and time are also recorded on the photograph as in Fig. 2. A sonar device (42) positioned on the camera provides a distance indication which, with a known field of view, allows for a determination of the total flux from the surface area at (22), a determination of convective heat losses from the surface and correction for atmospheric absorption of the radiant energy.
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