Aipedia: Energy assessors and retrofit coordinators

AI analysis of thermal imaging and airtightness data

Aipedia, by the Apex broking team · Last reviewed 2026-10-30

AI can classify thermal images and summarise airtightness results, but readings depend on conditions the software may not understand. A missed thermal bridge can lead to condensation and mould after insulation is fitted, and claims for remedial work.

Part of: AI in energy assessors and retrofit coordinators

In short

Retrofit assessors and coordinators use AI to flag thermal bridges, missing insulation and airtightness issues. Thermal images are sensitive to weather, solar gain, emissivity and moisture, so software can produce false readings or miss defects. TrustMark requires competence in building physics and risk assessment under Appendix 2, with records kept as PAS 2035 specifies. Missed bridges can cause condensation and mould after insulation. PI usually treats misinterpretation as negligence, subject to the terms, but property damage exclusions and run-off need checking.

How retrofit professionals use AI with thermal imaging

Thermal imaging and airtightness testing help retrofit assessors and coordinators understand where a building loses heat and air. AI software now classifies thermal images, highlights suspected thermal bridges or missing insulation, and summarises airtightness results into report text. For busy assessors it promises consistent interpretation across many jobs.

Thermal images are sensitive to conditions. Weather, solar gain, surface emissivity, moisture and recent heating can all change what the camera sees, and software trained on one set of conditions may not handle another.

The duties that apply

There is no AI or thermal-imaging rule specific to retrofit. The relevant duties come from the retrofit framework:

Competence: the TrustMark PAS 2035 Retrofit Coordinator Scheme Requirements require competence under Appendix 2, including building physics and risk assessment, plus at least 25 hours of evidence-based CPD a year.
Process: PAS 2035:2023 sets the assessment and design steps that thermal findings feed into.
Records: records must be kept as PAS 2035 specifies, so the images and the interpretation should be retained.
EPC work: where findings feed an EPC, reg 24(1) of the EPB Regulations 2012 requires reasonable care and skill.

See the EPC and PAS 2035 rules map for how these fit together.

What can go wrong

Thermal analysis failures usually show up later, after measures are installed. The main risks are:

False readings: the software flags reflections, solar gain or wet surfaces as defects, or misses real ones on a mild day.
Missed thermal bridges: junctions around windows, floors and roofs are not identified, so the design does not address them.
Overconfident summaries: AI report text states conclusions the images cannot support.
Airtightness misread: results are summarised without context about the test conditions or leakage paths.
Condensation risk: insulation is fitted without addressing bridges or ventilation, moving the dew point to where it causes damp and mould.

Illustrative: a retrofit assessor relies on AI analysis of thermal images taken on a mild, sunny afternoon. The software reports no significant bridging at the floor and window junctions. Internal wall insulation is designed and fitted. Within two winters, mould appears at the junctions. The homeowner's surveyor blames unaddressed thermal bridges, and the homeowner claims for remedial work and redecoration.

How PI usually responds

A claim that an assessor or coordinator negligently interpreted survey data is usually treated as a professional negligence claim, subject to the policy terms. The harder questions are about consequences. Damp and mould involve physical damage to property, and some PI wordings exclude or limit property damage claims; see the property damage exclusion in PI. Where occupants allege health effects, bodily injury exclusions may also be relevant. Defects can take time to appear, so claims-made cover and run-off matter; see run-off cover. The TrustMark minimum for coordinators is £250k PI and PL per property, or as required by the client. For the general AI position, see does PI cover AI mistakes?.

Practical controls

Use AI analysis as a second opinion on images you have taken properly. Practical steps:

Record weather, temperature difference and surface conditions for every thermal survey.
Review flagged and unflagged areas yourself, especially junctions and around openings.
Edit AI summary text so it states only what the evidence supports, with limitations.
Keep the original images and airtightness data with the project record.
Carry thermal bridge and condensation findings into the risk and design steps.

These findings feed risk path and moisture risk decisions and retrofit assessments.

How Apex helps

Apex arranges PI for retrofit assessors and coordinators. A broker reviews how your policy treats property damage, AI-assisted analysis and run-off. See the AI in energy assessment hub.

Sources

Frequently asked

Can I rely on AI to interpret thermal images?

Use it as a second opinion. Thermal images depend heavily on weather and surface conditions, and software may misread reflections, solar gain or moisture. A competent assessor should review the images and record conditions and limitations.

Why do thermal imaging errors lead to damp claims?

Missed thermal bridges or ventilation issues may not be addressed in the design. Once insulation is fitted, cold spots at junctions can attract condensation and mould, often appearing a winter or two later.

Does PI cover damp and mould after retrofit?

A negligence claim is usually within PI, subject to the terms. Some wordings exclude or limit property damage or bodily injury claims, so check how your policy treats claims where advice led to physical damage.

What should I record when using AI on thermal surveys?

Record the weather, temperature difference, surface conditions and time of the survey, the software used and your own review of its findings. Keep the original images and airtightness data with the project record, as PAS 2035 record keeping and any later claim will depend on them.

Check your PI covers how you use AI

Tell us about your firm and the work you do. A broker will review how your current PI treats AI-assisted work, or arrange new cover. No fee for a quote. Or call 0117 325 0027.

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Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. This page is general information about how AI is used in the profession and how insurance may respond. It is not legal, regulatory or insurance advice on your circumstances, and it does not guarantee that cover will be available or on what terms.