As the UK grapples with net-zero targets, the continuing aftermath of the cladding crisis and a shortage of affordable, good quality housing, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents has never been more important. FireAngel’s business development manager, Jake Sleeman, explores some innovative solutions to protect residents and properties.
Despite energy bills predicted to decrease following Ofgem’s price cap announcement in May 2024, there are still six million UK households estimated to be living in fuel poverty. And as we near the end of summer, many low-income families will soon have the devastating choice between heating or eating, leaving millions of tenants vulnerable to the onset of cold, damp and mould. At the same time, residents in buildings where dangerous cladding has been removed post-Grenfell may find their homes less energy-efficient for extended periods. The urgency to improve home safety for social housing residents has never been more pronounced.
Adapting to an evolving legislative landscape
The pressing need for fundamental changes to ensure home safety has led to a rapid overhaul of legislation. The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified accountability for fire-risk reduction in England and Wales, while the Social Housing Act 2023, strengthened by Awaab’s Law, empowers residents to challenge failing housing providers if they feel unsafe in their homes or have damp and mould.
However, traditional methods to address damp and mould often remain ineffective, time-consuming and expensive. Anti-mould wall coatings and regular roof and gutter maintenance offer limited solutions, and incorrectly-installed cavity or external wall insulation can make problems worse. These challenges are particularly pronounced for social housing providers.
With waiting lists growing and placement times getting longer, housing providers face intense pressure to quickly address problems and house new tenants. Poor advice and limited access to specialist knowledge often result in superficial treatments, risking the recurrence of mould and damp.
Smart solutions for holistic resident safety
Connected technology presents a promising alternative for housing providers to monitor humidity and temperature levels in properties. Strategically-placed smart sensors can provide precise, real-time data, allowing early detection and resolution of potential issues.
Installing these discreet sensors enables housing providers to create a customised network of devices that detect everything from fire and carbon monoxide to temperature and humidity, water leaks and air quality. This technology allows housing providers to offer tailored support to tenants and provide accurate information on necessary changes in ventilation or heating practices.
Smart sensors create a clear audit trail, recording accurate and regular environmental readings specific to each property and room, while the ability to analyse data remotely reduces the need for intrusive onsite investigations.
As home safety regulations continue to tighten, data collected from IoT sensors can also inform future regeneration projects. Analysing trends and patterns can help housing providers identify properties prone to damp and ensure appropriate insulation and ventilation solutions are installed.
Proactive prevention and protection
At FireAngel, our Home Environment Gateway delivers a comprehensive resident safety solution, integrating fire safety, AI-driven risk stratification and continuous environmental monitoring through in-built temperature and humidity sensors.
Through additional Zigbee sensors, our solution elevates resident safety and wellbeing to unprecedented levels, enabling housing providers to prioritise interventions for condensation, damp and mould, and enhance fire prevention measures for those most in need.
By leveraging smart solutions, we can create safer, healthier homes that protect residents today, tomorrow and in the future.
For more information on FireAngel’s Home Environment Gateway, please contact our team of specialists at fireangel.co.uk/connected-contact.
Jake Sleeman is the business development manager at FireAngel.
