Alertacall has developed an IoT-based device to monitor temperature and humidity in individual properties, giving housing providers automated early alerts to signs of fuel poverty and unhealthy living conditions.
Running on five-year batteries and operating without the need for a mains connection or wi-fi, Alertacall’s Envosense device records data every hour and uploads it to a cloud-based service. The Envosense device is the size of a pack of playing cards and the only installation required is to stick the sensor to a wall with a self-adhesive pad.
Bromford and Torus housing groups are both scheduled to go live with the devices this September.
James Batchelor, CEO, Alertacall, said, “It’s crucial for housing providers to use prevention to stop properties falling into substandard condition. Envosense gives them the chance to use IoT technology to improve outcomes for tenants and to protect their housing portfolios.
“With the average cost of repairing a property affected by damp currently running into thousands of pounds, there is a significant benefit in the early identification of properties that might need repairs or maintenance work. The benefit for tenants is that Envosense will alert housing providers to problems that could be fixed with a simple repair, or support and signposting towards help for those living in fuel poverty.”
Alertacall has created an early-interventions team to investigate abnormal readings, establish what actions are needed and to report to the housing provider as necessary. Housing providers can also access the sensor data themselves.
