Alertacall launch Envosense: ‘game-changing’ IoT environmental sensor for the social housing sector

The standalone device uses innovative IoT technology to monitor temperature and humidity in individual properties – providing organisations with an early alert to signs of fuel poverty and unhealthy living conditions.

Data is recorded every hour and uploaded to the cloud – through the monitor, named Envosense, requires no battery change, maintenance or manual input for a minimum of five years. It also operates without mains connection or WiFi. Envosense will be immediately introduced by Bromford and Torus housing associations this month.

James, CEO of Alertacall, the company responsible for developing the device, said it offered local authorities and other housing providers a simple way to help make sure properties do not fall below decent living standards as set out by the Homes Act.

It also gives social housing providers the chance to harness the burgeoning power of Internet of Things technology in an affordable way.

James, CEO, said:

“With the new legislation coming into force in March, it’s crucial housing providers can use prevention to stop properties falling into substandard conditions. This is a game-changing product which offers housing providers the chance to use IoT technology to help improve outcomes for tenants and to protect their stock. With the average cost of repairing a property affected by damp currently running into thousands of pounds, there is a significant benefit in identifying homes that require repair or maintenance work at the earliest opportunity. The benefit for tenants is that Envosense will alert housing providers to problems that may be fixed with a simple repair, or support and signposting towards help for those living in fuel poverty.”

Alertacall has also set up a dedicated interventions team to investigate abnormal readings, establish what action is required and to report to the housing provider as necessary. Alternatively, providers can access data from sensors fitted within their own properties directly.

The Envosense device itself is the size of a pack of playing cards. The only installation required is to stick the sensor to a wall with a self-adhesive pad.

The information gathered will provide an alert on homes that have a temperature that is considered too low or high. The device will also flag up properties which are at risk of damp due to excessive humidity levels. Both are known to carry health risks for occupants, particularly those considered vulnerable or elderly. Housing providers can then make contact with tenants to bring issues to their attention and ascertain whether they are linked to a heating fault, fuel poverty, fuel arrears or even a vacated property.

James, CEO, added:

“The government-commissioned English Housing Survey found around half a million social homes in England failed to meet the required standards, with 244,000 properties having a Category One safety hazard, leaving tenants at risk of harm and housing providers at risk of legal action. Maintaining housing standards and taking a preventative approach is without doubt the best way forward”

For more information or to trial one of our environmental sensors – for free – and see how Envosense can benefit your organisation, contact Benjamin Lambert on 0808 208 1234 or email contact@alertacall.com.