Complaints: Energy efficiency at home
Residents raised concerns about damp and humidity as well as how to manage energy efficiently at home. As a result, we’ve rolled out smart home technology in tenants’ homes that provides detailed information about indoor air quality. The devices put residents more in control and can raise early alerts to any problems within the home.
Summary
We installed new technology to provide residents with information and insights on humidity, heat, draughts or carbon monoxide present in their homes. These devices provide data and send alerts, which residents can receive via an app. The information can help warn residents of any issues of damp and mould forming.
We first trialled devices in a few homes, but we’ve now installed these in other homes as part of our five-year cycle of electrical safety tests. Almost two thirds of our tenancies (62% of tenancies) now have this technology fitted.
It means our residents can live more comfortably and know whether their home is at risk of a problem developing. We can then work with them to resolve issues of damp or mould or to deal with a carbon monoxide alert if the alarm triggers.
Outcomes
- We have fitted smart home devices in nearly two thirds of tenants’ homes (nearly 3,500 properties)
- Residents are more informed about the health and performance of their home – they can be smarter with their energy use, which could save them money
- We can work with residents to respond early to any concerns about humidity which can help to reduce risks of damp and mould forming
- We can support residents if we see signs of them living in extreme cold temperatures during winter
- We can respond quickly in cases related to fire safety if we are alerted to faults with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors