Thermometers: A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Chilling Encounters and Cold Spots
In the world of ghost hunting, there’s one tool that’s both simple and scientifically grounded: the thermometer. While it may seem like just another household device, thermometers are surprisingly effective in the realm of paranormal investigations. These tools allow investigators to detect sudden drops in temperature—commonly referred to as “cold spots”—which are often believed to be indicators of spirit presence. Whether you’re venturing into abandoned asylums, haunted houses, or mysterious forests, arming yourself with a reliable thermometer could be the key to backing up your supernatural experiences with compelling data.
In this post, we’ll explore how thermometers work, the theory behind their connection to the paranormal, and how to use them properly during your ghost-hunting sessions. Whether you’re a beginner building your gear kit or a seasoned investigator looking to add evidence-based credibility to your findings, thermometers deserve a spot in your toolkit.
The Science and Paranormal Theory Behind Thermometers
How Thermometers Work
At their core, thermometers are instruments used to measure temperature. Most ghost hunters use two main types:
- Infrared Thermometers – These devices allow for non-contact temperature readings by sensing infrared energy emitted from surfaces. They’re fast, accurate, and ideal for scanning multiple spots quickly.
- Digital Thermometers (Ambient) – These measure the surrounding air temperature and are used to detect general environmental shifts.
Temperature is usually measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit, with even small fluctuations being noteworthy in paranormal research. In controlled indoor locations most temperature variations are minimal—so a sudden drop could point to something unusual.
The Paranormal Theory: Why Temperature Drops Matter
Many paranormal investigators believe that spirits draw energy from their surroundings, often resulting in sudden and localized temperature drops. These are known as cold spots, and they’re thought to occur when spirits manifest or interact with the physical world.
While mainstream science attributes temperature fluctuations to environmental factors such as drafts, insulation issues, or HVAC systems, ghost hunters often combine thermometer readings with EMF detectors, EVP sessions, and visual observations for a more complete picture. A drastic temperature dip without an obvious natural cause can become compelling evidence when paired with other phenomena—like EVPs, shadow figures, or sudden changes in EMF.
How to Use Thermometers During Paranormal Investigations
Incorporating thermometers into your ghost-hunting toolkit is straightforward—but knowing how to use them effectively is what separates serious investigators from casual thrill-seekers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting accurate and potentially compelling results.
Step 1: Choose the Right Thermometer
Select a thermometer based on the type of environment you’ll be investigating:
- Infrared Thermometers are ideal for scanning walls, furniture, and floors without making physical contact. They’re perfect for quick sweeps of large or hard-to-reach areas.
- Digital Ambient Thermometers excel at tracking ongoing air temperature changes in a space over time. Leave one stationary in a suspected hot spot or carry it with you for mobile monitoring.
Some professional paranormal teams use both types simultaneously to track air temperature and surface temperature trends.
Step 2: Establish a Baseline Reading
Upon arriving at your investigation site, your first job is to establish baseline readings. This step is critical:
- Take multiple readings in each room or space before beginning the investigation.
- Note any consistent drafts, vents, or heat sources that may affect readings.
- Use a pen and notebook or app to record your findings. Some digital tools even let you save data automatically.
Establishing a comprehensive baseline helps you distinguish natural temperature changes from potential paranormal activity.
Step 3: Begin the Investigation
Once you know the norm, it’s time to start actively monitoring for anomalies:
- Use your infrared thermometer to scan the room slowly, especially near locations believed to be haunted—such as closets, basements, or spaces where activity has been previously reported.
- Pay attention to sudden dips of 5°F or more. These are often considered potential cold spots.
- Cross-verify by using your ambient thermometer in the same location to see if the air temperature matches the surface reading.
If you detect a significant drop, mark the location on your floor plan or investigation journal and use your other tools—like an EMF meter or digital recorder—to see if additional anomalies occur in that area.
Step 4: Watch for Patterns and Reactions
More seasoned ghost hunters don’t stop at identifying a cold spot—they observe how the spot behaves in relation to other events. Consider the following:
- Does an EVP session prompt a sudden temperature drop?
- Does the cold spot move or dissipate quickly?
- Does equipment in close proximity (like EMF meters or motion detectors) react at the same time?
Look for consistent correlations. Multiple, overlapping anomalies recorded at the same moment can become convincing pieces of evidence when reviewed later.
Step 5: Use in Trigger Sessions
Thermometers can be useful in trigger sessions—a technique where investigators call out to spirits or recreate specific scenarios to provoke activity. While doing this:
- Keep your thermometer pointed at the same location to monitor temperature changes in real time.
- Announce the temperature aloud on your recorder when it changes. This provides audio documentation of any significant shifts.
This tactic is especially effective in locations with a known history or spirit presence tied to a specific person or event.
Conclusion: Why Every Ghost Hunter Should Use Thermometers
Thermometers may not be the flashiest tool in your paranormal kit, but they are among the most valuable. Their effectiveness stems from their ability to deliver objective, data-driven measurements that can potentially back up paranormal claims—especially when multiple types of evidence are collected in tandem.
As a ghost hunter, one of your main goals is to bring legitimacy to the field through careful observation and documentation. Thermometers help bridge the gap between lore and fact, offering a means of identifying environmental changes that may suggest a paranormal presence.
So whether you’re investigating a colonial mansion or exploring the ruins of an old hospital, bring your thermometer. You just might measure your way right into a paranormal encounter.