5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using an Infrared Thermometer

After the pandemic, Infrared thermometers have become a staple of every household, clinic and workplace as it does not involve contact. Whether you are a parent checking your child’s fever or a doctor monitoring patients, there is always a right way to use these devices. But a lot of people make common errors that lead to incorrect readings.

In this blog, we will look at the 5 most common mistakes to avoid when taking temperature on an infrared thermometer and how to make the most of it.

Mistake 1: Holding the Thermometer Too Close or Too Far

One of the most frequent errors when using an infrared thermometer is not maintaining the correct distance from the target. These thermometers measure the infrared energy emitted by a surface or body. If the device is too close, the reading might be affected by surrounding heat or skin contact; too far, and it may pick up ambient temperature instead of body temperature.

Every model, whether it’s a digital infrared thermometer, a laser thermometer, or an Ornavo thermometer comes with a specified distance-to-spot ratio (D:S). This ratio tells you how far you can be while still measuring accurately. For example, a D:S ratio of 12:1 means that at 12 inches away, the thermometer measures an area 1 inch in diameter.

Always check your device’s manual for the correct distance. In general, for infrared thermometers in Pakistan designed for human use, the optimal distance is 2–5 cm from the forehead. Holding it too close or too far is one of the easiest ways to ruin accuracy.

Mistake 2: Not Waiting for the Thermometer to Adjust to Room Temperature

Another common mistake people make when using an infrared thermometer is ignoring environmental factors. If you get your hands on the thermometer after it has been brought from a hot car or a cold storage area , give it some time to adjust to the room temperature. Without this, your readings may be different by several degrees.

Pro tip: Keep your thermometer stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, air vents, or extreme humidity. This ensures consistent and reliable performance whenever you need it.

Mistake 3: Using It on Sweaty or Dirty Skin

Infrared thermometers detect the infrared energy emitted from a surface. When that surface, like the forehead is sweaty, oily, or dirty, it interferes with the reading. The moisture or residue acts as a reflective layer, bouncing the infrared energy away from the sensor instead of allowing it to be absorbed and measured accurately.

Before using an infrared thermometer, gently clean the measurement area with a soft cloth. If you’re measuring body temperature, ensure the forehead is dry and free from cosmetics or lotion. For Ornavo thermometers or any high-quality laser thermometers, maintaining clean skin contact areas ensures the infrared beam reads true body temperature rather than external interference.

This rule also applies to industrial infrared thermometer uses for example, when measuring machinery or cooking surfaces. Always ensure the target area is clean and free of dust or grease for the most accurate results.

Mistake 4: Ignoring the Target’s Emissivity

Many people are unaware that every surface emits infrared energy differently. This property is called emissivity. Human skin has an emissivity of about 0.98, but shiny or reflective surfaces, like metal, have much lower values. If you’re using an infrared thermometer to measure something other than body temperature such as checking an oven, an engine, or industrial equipment, incorrect emissivity settings can produce wildly inaccurate results.

High-quality digital infrared thermometers or laser thermometers often allow you to adjust emissivity settings manually. If your device supports this, refer to its manual to match the emissivity with the target surface. For instance:

• Human skin: 0.98
  
• Painted metal: 0.94
  
• Shiny steel: 0.10–0.20
  

If you’re unsure, apply a piece of non-reflective tape or black electrical tape to the surface, let it reach equilibrium, and measure the temperature from that spot for a more accurate reading.

Knowing how infrared thermometers work is essential; they don’t measure internal temperature directly but infer it from emitted surface energy. Adjusting emissivity helps bridge that gap for non-human applications.

Mistake 5: Using It in the Wrong Environment

Infrared thermometers are extremely helpful, but they do have limits, and environmental conditions like dust, smoke, or harsh sunlight can disturb the sensors. For example, if you are taking the temperature outdoors, there is a chance that your skin may heat up and give a false high reading. Similarly, using the device in a steamy kitchen or near machinery emitting strong radiant heat can also skew results.

How Do Infrared Thermometers Work?

Before wrapping up, it’s important to understand how infrared thermometers work. Unlike traditional thermometers that rely on contact with the skin or surface, infrared thermometers detect the infrared radiation naturally emitted by all objects. This energy is converted into an electrical signal, which is then displayed as temperature.

In simpler terms, every object emits heat energy in the form of infrared radiation. The hotter it is, the more radiation it emits. A digital infrared thermometer measures this energy without touching the surface making it hygienic, quick, and highly convenient.

For example, an Ornavo thermometer uses advanced sensors to read this infrared energy within milliseconds. It’s ideal for both household and professional use. Because of this technology, infrared thermometers are not only used for checking body temperature but also in cooking, industrial maintenance, HVAC systems, and scientific research.

Tips for Accurate Readings

Follow these simple practices to get accurate reading when using an infrared thermometer.

• Keep the lens clean. A dirty or smudged lens can scatter the infrared signal and produce false readings.
  
• Use consistent measurement points. Always measure from the same area on the forehead or object.
  
• Avoid sudden temperature shifts. Moving from hot to cold environments can cause temporary errors.
  
• Use high-quality models. Brands like Ornavo thermometers offer reliable performance and better sensitivity, ensuring you don’t have to second-guess your readings.
  

Final Thoughts

Infrared thermometers are very convenient and ideal for accurate temperature measurement, but their accuracy also depends on how you are using them. The catch is the technique; technique is all that matters. If you’re looking for a dependable infrared thermometer in Pakistan, the Ornavo thermometer is a great choice for both medical and everyday use.