Predicting mould with IoT sensors: a Cornish case study

Mould, damp and condensation – these three words are enough to fill any landlord with dread.

Not only can they wreak havoc on the health of residents (think allergies, asthma attacks, respiratory issues and a weakened immune system), they can also spell financial disaster for landlords. In fact, mould, damp and condensation are behind 75% of all claims made by tenants of housing associations, leading to eye-watering costs each year.

The saving grace in this situation is smart IoT technology. Using devices like Invisible Systems IoT sensors, housing associations can monitor environmental conditions inside their buildings to detect potential risks or existing issues. By viewing the data collected by these wireless monitors, landlords can see which properties are at risk of mould, damp and condensation. This empowers them to take pre-emptive measures or swoop down on problem areas before they deteriorate further.

Adopting a data-driven approach to property management has multiple benefits for both residents and housing associations. Just a few of these include reduced costs, increased quality of life for residents, and an improved relationship between tenants and their landlords.

The Smartline project
The undeniable impact that smart technology can have on the housing sector is being explored by Smartline, a collaborative research project in Cornwall. The project aims to investigate how smart technology and data can be used and developed to help people lead healthier, happier lives.

One of the programmes within the project focuses on modelling and preventing mould growth. As part of the research, Invisible Systems IoT sensors have been placed within 274 properties of a housing association in Cornwall. These wireless sensors gather data on relative humidity and temperature within the homes over time, from which mould growth can be predicted.

So far, the study has demonstrated how Invisible Systems IoT sensors facilitate predictive maintenance and thus cut the costs of mould-related repairs. Thanks to the data collected, landlords have also been able to prevent the occurrence of other related issues, such as damp and cold.

With a much clearer picture of mould growth within their properties, the housing association has seen several benefits:
• Improvement in the physical health of tenants
• Better quality of life for tenants, including more comfortable homes
• Fewer mould-related claims
• Reduced expenditure on energy by fixing damp and cold issues before they worsen
• Prevention of mould and damp in homes with reduced ventilation, e.g. energy efficient homes.

If the Smartline project has shown us anything, it’s that IoT technology is changing lives for the better. Sensors provide housing associations with the data they need to make informed decisions and take necessary action, enabling them to improve the living conditions – and wellbeing - of their tenants. Whilst mould, damp and condensation were once a landlord’s worst nightmare, Invisible Systems IoT sensors are reducing the risk of them even appearing in the first place.

Are you ready to tackle mould head-on? Schedule a call with our team to find out how Invisible Systems sensors can help you.