This article will only cover the most basic types of thermometers and a basic over view of their uses.
Thermometers are a very basic but important part of ghost hunting kit. Most paranormal researchers believe that the manifestation of an entity uses energy, and sometimes this energy is pulled from the air. Often when this happens it leaves behind a noticeable cold spot. Measuring these cold spots can be crucial for documenting the location of an entity and tracking it's movements.
My team only uses two very basic types of thermometers.
Ambient air temperature monitors: This type of thermometer comes in many different forms. The most basic ones (you can get these at home improvement stores and sometimes at places like Wal Mart) are simple devices that you just hold in the air, press a button, and get a temperature reading. Simple, right? When you encounter a cold spot or an area of increased warmth it is important to document the amount the temperature has changed. This simple device will give you those readings. I love (but do not yet own) the MEL meter device which is an EMF detector with ambient temp. thermometer built in. Here is another very cool device.
While measuring the ambient air temperature is important, measuring surface temperatures is equally of value. Sometimes things are out of reach and you can't get a reading with your ambient thermometer or a "touch" style thermometer. Or maybe something is too hot or too cold for you to safely touch to get a reading. When this is the case you want to have a gauge that can measure temperature from a distance. IR laser thermometers are perfect for these situations. All you do is point the device using the laser aiming system and pull the "trigger". You will instantly have a precise reading of the surface temperature of the object you were aiming at. Both of these devices are important and should be carried on every investigation. Some IR laser thermometers can be found here and here. If you have an Autozone or Advanced Auto near you try looking there as well. I bought one there recently for under $20.
