Awaab’s Law is moving from headline news to operational reality, with the government releasing updated draft guidance and the 2025 regulations that...
Awaab’s Law: New Updates Every Social Landlord Needs to Know
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How Vericon Systems is Helping Plus Dane Housing Combat Damp and Mould
Plus Dane Housing, a social housing group managing over 13,500 homes across Cheshire and Merseyside, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the living conditions of its tenants. Through a new collaboration with Vericon Systems, Plus Dane is leveraging intelligent remote monitoring and management technology to address and prevent the harmful effects of damp and mould in its estate.
A Partnership for Healthier Homes
Plus Dane Housing is not just about providing homes; it’s about creating supportive environments where residents can live comfortably. This mission has led to the installation of Vericon’s Surveyor Cube system, a cutting-edge solution designed specifically to identify and mitigate the root causes of damp and mould issues within properties.
The Surveyor Cube system integrates Vericon’s plug-and-play boiler control module (BCM) with MultiDOT temperature and humidity level sensors. These components can be swiftly and easily installed throughout each property in mere minutes, requiring no specialist knowledge or tools. This ease of installation ensures minimal disruption while providing maximum impact.
Real-Time Monitoring and Management
One of the standout features of the Vericon system is its dedicated online portal. This platform enables Plus Dane to monitor and manage the environmental conditions of every home remotely. By instantly viewing and analyzing data on temperature and humidity levels, Plus Dane can proactively address issues before they escalate into significant problems.
Chris Roberts, Sustainability Manager at Plus Dane Housing, highlights the immediate benefits of this technology:
“Although the Vericon system has only been live for a matter of months, we are already seeing positive results,” he says. “With the ability to proactively monitor, manage, and evaluate humidity levels within our properties, we can prevent the build-up of damp and mould and all of the problems they bring. Vericon’s ongoing service and support has been first class.”
Technology for Better Living
The collaboration between Plus Dane Housing and Vericon Systems exemplifies how the appropriate use of technology can significantly improve residents’ welfare.
Bernard Cook, Managing Director at Vericon Systems, underscores the importance of this integration:
“The integration of connected technology for detecting damp and mould can play a vital role in improving the living conditions of residents and in demonstrating a landlord’s commitment to best practice.”
The advantages of connected technology for social housing providers are manifold. From enhancing efficiency and achieving cost savings to ensuring the well-being of residents, the benefits are clear and compelling.
Plus Dane Housing’s partnership with Vericon Systems showcases a proactive approach to maintaining healthy living environments for social housing residents. By embracing intelligent remote monitoring and management technology, Plus Dane is setting a benchmark for other housing providers to follow, demonstrating that innovation and care can go hand in hand to create better living conditions for all.
Would you like to find out more?
For more information about how Vericon’s damp & mould monitoring products can benefit your housing projects call 01242 582 555 or email [email protected]
Together, we can make a significant impact in combating fuel poverty and ensuring a better future for social housing.
The Real Challenge Social Landlords Face with Damp and Mould Issues
Managing damp and mould is an ongoing challenge for landlords. This problem is often exacerbated by the reliance on unstructured and fragmented data from multiple systems. The lack of integration makes it difficult for landlords to obtain a comprehensive view of the problem, hindering their ability to understand the data and prioritise repairs effectively.
The Data Dilemma
Social landlords typically collect environmental data from various sources to monitor the condition of their properties. However, these data sources are often isolated in different systems, providing only a partial view of the issue at hand. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies in identifying and addressing damp and mould problems, as it is challenging to pinpoint the most critical areas requiring attention.
Vericon offers a solution to this problem. By integrating environmental data from multiple devices across an entire property portfolio into a single online portal, Vericon provides a unified view of the property conditions.
This comprehensive approach allows social landlords to monitor their properties in real-time, analyse, and act upon environmental data efficiently.
Vericon’s online portal leverages powerful data analytics to help housing providers make sense of the vast amount of information collected by their sensors. The platform identifies patterns, pinpoints problem areas, and generates easy to understand actionable reports. This data-driven approach ensures that housing providers can address issues promptly and effectively.
Powerful Data Analytics
Integrating all damp, mould, and environmental data into a single online portal offers social housing providers a multitude of benefits that streamline property management and enhance the living conditions for residents.
Comprehensive Data Integration
Having all environmental data, including damp and mould information, in one online portal provides a unified view of the property portfolio’s conditions. This integration breaks down data silos and allows for a holistic understanding of various environmental issues across different properties. Additionally, incorporating boiler telemetry into this centralised system can help identify issues such as fuel poverty, which has a direct link to the risk of damp and mould. By monitoring boiler performance and usage patterns, housing providers can detect signs of fuel poverty early and take proactive measures to mitigate its impact, thereby reducing the likelihood of damp and mould development.
Efficient Monitoring and Reporting
Vericon’s online portal leverages powerful data analytics to help housing providers make sense of the vast amount of information collected by their sensors. The platform identifies patterns, pinpoints problem areas that require immediate attention, and generates actionable reports. For instance, it can detect if ventilation fans are being turned off, working ineffectively, or even if they need cleaning. This level of detailed monitoring ensures that housing providers can address issues promptly and effectively, preventing small problems from escalating into larger, more costly repairs.
Streamlined Decision-Making
With all relevant data accessible in one place, decision-makers can more effectively prioritise repairs and maintenance. This ensures that resources are allocated to the most critical areas, improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of property management.
Enhanced Predictive Maintenance
Centralised data enables advanced analytics and predictive maintenance strategies. Using Community Learning and AI, Vericon can identify patterns and trends in environmental conditions meaning housing providers can take proactive measures to prevent issues before they escalate, reducing long-term repair costs. For example, Vericon can highlight ineffective fans or fans that have been turned off. Addressing these issues promptly can cost around £100, whereas waiting for the problem to escalate can result in repair costs running into thousands of pounds. This proactive approach ensures that minor issues are resolved before they become major, costly problems.
Centralised Historical Data
Maintaining a historical record of environmental data in one portal allows for trend analysis over time. This historical perspective is invaluable for identifying recurring issues, assessing the effectiveness of past interventions, and planning future maintenance strategies.
Regulatory Compliance
Having a comprehensive and easily accessible record of environmental data supports compliance with regulatory requirements. Housing providers can demonstrate a proactive approach to maintaining property standards, reducing the risk of penalties associated with poor living conditions.
Enhanced Resource Allocation
With comprehensive data in one portal, housing providers can allocate their repair and maintenance resources more effectively. By focusing on the most severe and problematic areas, they can maximise the impact of their efforts and ensure that resources are used where they are needed most.
Improved Accountability
A centralised portal provides a clear audit trail of actions taken to address environmental issues. This accountability ensures that all stakeholders are aware of the steps being taken to improve property conditions and can track progress over time.
Full embedded processes
When a surveyor or operative visits a property with reported damp and mould issues , by scanning the QR code on the device an audit log is created showing the person along with the date and time of their visit. They also have the ability to attach photographs to the room, again date and time stamped to show the actual condition pre and post any work activities.
Scalability
As the property portfolio grows, the centralised portal can easily scale to accommodate additional data and new properties. This ensures that housing providers can continue to manage environmental conditions effectively, regardless of the size of their portfolio.
Having all damp, mould, environmental, and heating telemetry in one online portal empowers social housing providers with a comprehensive, efficient, and proactive approach to property management. This leads to improved health and safety for residents, optimised resource allocation, regulatory compliance, cost savings, and ultimately, higher resident satisfaction.
Would you like to find out more?
Contact Vericon today to learn more about our damp & mould monitoring products and how they can benefit your portfolio.
Complete the form on this page and we will be in contact, alternatively please get in contact us by calling 01242 582 555.
How to Get Residents on Board with IoT Connected Technology
In the age of smart technology, IoT devices are changing how we manage and maintain our homes. For social housing providers, IoT technology offers a proactive approach to maintaining property conditions, ensuring safety, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. However, despite its numerous benefits, the term “monitoring” often carries negative connotations, leading to concerns over privacy and trust.
Housing providers should educate residents on the benefits of IoT technology, highlighting how it can significantly improve their living conditions while safeguarding their privacy.
Understanding the Benefits of IoT Technology
Boiler Performance Monitoring
Predictive Maintenance: Our IoT technology continuously monitors the performance of boilers to predict potential breakdowns. This proactive approach ensures that residents are not left without heating and hot water, especially during the colder months. By identifying issues before they become major problems, timely repairs can be arranged, minimising inconvenience and discomfort.
Vericon’s BCM (Boiler Control Module) continuously monitors the performance of boilers to predict potential breakdowns. Learn more about the BCM.
Environmental Condition Monitoring
Damp and Mould Prevention
By monitoring humidity levels and other environmental conditions, our technology helps in predicting and preventing damp and mould issues. This not only preserves the structural integrity of the property but also ensures a healthier living environment for residents. Additionally, it allows for the monitoring of retrofit work to ensure it effectively improves living conditions.
Vericon’s Surveyor Cube monitors humidity levels and other environmental conditions to help predict and prevent damp and mould issues. Learn more about the Surveyor Cube.
Energy Consumption Monitoring
Cost Savings
Monitoring power usage enables housing providers to identify areas with high energy consumption. By implementing energy-saving measures, significant cost savings on utility bills can be achieved. This not only benefits the housing provider but also reduces the financial burden on residents, making their homes more affordable to live in. Additionally, fuel poverty or restricting the use of a boiler can directly impact environmental conditions, increasing the risk of damp and mould.
Vericon’s PowerSense monitors power usage, enabling housing providers to identify areas with high energy consumption. Learn more about PowerSense.
Pressure Fault Prevention
Automated Maintenance
One of the most common reasons for residents to contact the helpdesk is due to under-pressure boiler faults. Our IoT technology offers automated top-ups, real-time notifications, and preventative maintenance to avoid these issues. This ensures that residents are not left without heating or hot water, providing peace of mind and reducing the need for emergency engineer visits.
Vericon’s AutoFill offers automated top-ups, real-time notifications, and preventative maintenance to avoid these issues. Learn more about AutoFill.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
One of the primary concerns residents may have is the fear of being constantly monitored. It is crucial to communicate that our IoT technology does not involve any audio or video recording. It is not a “Big Brother” scenario but rather a system designed to enhance their living experience by preventing issues before they occur.
Building Trust in the Technology and Housing Provider
To successfully implement IoT technology, trust needs to be established not only in the technology itself but also in the social housing provider responsible for its installation.
Transparent Communication:
Clearly explain the purpose of the technology and how it works. Transparency is key to building trust. Provide detailed information on what data is collected, how it is used, and the measures in place to ensure privacy and security.
Education and Awareness
Organise workshops, informational sessions, and distribute educational materials to help residents understand the benefits of IoT technology. Use real-life examples and success stories to illustrate how the technology has positively impacted other residents.
Highlighting Investment
The social housing provider should actively showcase their new investment in IoT technology through press releases, online articles, and community newsletters. By publicly demonstrating their commitment to improving residents’ living conditions, they can build trust and show that they are investing in the well-being of their residents.
Customer Support and Feedback
Provide robust customer support through the housing provider to address any concerns or questions residents may have. Encourage feedback which can then be passed on to improve future developments.
Getting residents on board with IoT-connected technology requires a combination of education, transparency, and trust-building. By clearly communicating the benefits, addressing privacy concerns, and involving the community in the process, housing providers can ensure that residents see IoT technology as a valuable tool that enhances their living conditions rather than an intrusive monitoring system.
Together, we can create a smarter, safer, and more comfortable living environment for all.
Would you like to find out more?
Contact Vericon today to discover how our cutting-technology can improve your maintenance strategy, protect your investment and improve the quality of life of your residents.
Complete the form on this page and we will be in contact, alternatively please get in contact us by calling 01242 582 555.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Comfort in Social Housing through Partnership
A groundbreaking partnership between City Plumbing, Vericon Systems, and ADEY has revolutionised smart home technology in social housing. Their collaborative project provides a blueprint for socially responsible housing providers looking to embrace technological advancement.
Project Overview
SHAL Housing, based in Bridgwater, Somerset, manages approximately 4,000 homes. The organisation recently launched an innovative SMART home scheme in five properties. Through this initiative, they’ve integrated ADEY Sense® products with Vericon IoT sensors and agnostic boiler monitoring to enhance heating system management.
Watch the full video series here – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeyRxXmonb-pStxvYlVPsJMyS8DNlRJo3
Comprehensive Technology Suite
The project’s success relied heavily on Vericon’s integrated product ecosystem. At its core, the Building Control Module (BCM) serves as an intelligent gateway, collecting and transmitting vital system data. This robust device connects seamlessly with heating systems, offering real-time performance monitoring and fault detection.
Working alongside the BCM, the MultiDOT sensors provide precise temperature and humidity readings throughout each property. These compact, wireless devices create a comprehensive picture of the living environment, helping prevent issues like damp and mould before they develop.
The Vericon Portal ties the entire system together, offering housing providers a user-friendly dashboard for property management. Through this centralised platform, maintenance teams can:
- Monitor multiple properties simultaneously
- Access detailed performance analytics
- Generate customised reports
- Set up automated alerts
- Track maintenance schedules
Completing the suite, AutoFill technology ensures optimal system pressure maintenance. This innovative solution automatically tops up boiler pressure when needed, reducing unnecessary callouts and extending system life. The AutoFill system also alerts providers to potential leaks by monitoring top-up frequency, adding another layer of preventive maintenance.
Cutting-Edge Technology Integration
The partnership has achieved remarkable results, with improvements in 83% of assessed properties. At the heart of this success lies Vericon’s telematics hardware working alongside ADEY’s smart solutions. These include app-based water testing and remote monitoring through MagnaClean magnetic filters.
Real-Time Monitoring and Prevention
Housing providers can now spot issues before tenants even notice them. The system actively tracks system performance and sends instant alerts when problems arise. Through precise data collection, maintenance teams can address concerns proactively rather than reactively.
Enhanced Resident Experience
Modern life keeps tenants busy, making it challenging to notice gradual changes in heating efficiency. Thanks to Vericon Systems’ technology, they no longer need to worry. The system provides:
- Detailed evaluations of system health
- Real-time performance data
- Room-by-room temperature monitoring
- Early detection of dampness or mould risks
Advanced System Protection
ADEY Sense® connected filters bring additional benefits:
- Early detection of magnetite and sludge buildup
- Prevention of radiator blockages
- Protection against boiler damage
- Maintenance of optimal system efficiency
Cost-Effective Management
Smart monitoring leads to significant cost savings through:
- Reduced emergency callouts
- Extended boiler lifespan
- Lower gas consumption
- Preventive maintenance scheduling
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The success at SHAL Housing demonstrates the potential for smart technology in social housing.
As Angela Gascoigne, CEO at SHAL Housing, emphasises: “Technology plays a crucial role in fulfilling our commitment to Somerset homes.”
Leading by Example
Other social housing providers should take note of this successful implementation. The project proves that investing in smart technology delivers both immediate and long-term benefits. It ensures tenant satisfaction while optimising operational costs.
Future Recommendations
Housing providers considering similar initiatives should:
- Evaluate their current maintenance processes
- Consider pilot programmes in selected properties
- Partner with experienced technology providers
- Focus on solutions that offer clear ROI
Take Action Today
Don’t wait for property issues to escalate. Transform your housing management with our innovative smart technology solutions. Contact our team on 01242 582 555 or visit www.vericonsystems.com/contact-us to book your free consultation. Together, we can create healthier, more efficient homes for your residents.
How Vericon helps identify the root cause of damp and mould
Social housing tenants deserve homes that are safe and of a decent standard. However, the tragic death of toddler Awaab Ishak demonstrates the very serious harm that can come from living with untreated damp and mould.
In December 2022, all large social housing landlords were asked to set out the extent of damp and mould in the homes they manage and how they are tackling this issue.
The report, which was commissioned by the government, found that there are significant problems with the identification and management of damp and mould in social housing. It highlighted a lack of consistent data collection and analysis, as well as weak responses to complaints and poor conditions.
According to the report, there are lessons to be learned about tackling damp and mould effectively. The report sets out the features of better and weaker responses to damp and mould issues. Boards, councillors, and management teams are encouraged to read the report carefully and ask themselves challenging questions about how they could make improvements to what they currently do.
As well as tackling damp and mould issues, it is vitally important that landlords look at how they manage the condition and quality of their tenants’ homes in the round. How landlords ensure the safety of their tenants against the full range of requirements will continue to be a key focus of regulations as new inspections are carried out from April 2024.
It is crucial that landlords deliver an effective response to complaints of damp and mould and wider issues of poor conditions of tenants’ homes. Landlords must ensure that they address issues of damp and mould appropriately and make improvements in how they handle damp and mould cases.
How Vericon Helps
Vericon offers a range of products and services to help housing providers identify the root cause of damp and mould issues.
Sensors and monitoring devices:
These advanced tools detect changes in moisture levels, temperature, and airflow in real-time. By providing detailed data, they help housing providers understand the underlying conditions that lead to damp and mould growth.
Data analysis and reporting:
Vericon provides powerful data analytics to help housing providers make sense of the information collected by their sensors. This includes identifying patterns, pinpointing problem areas, and generating reports for further action.
Consulting and advisory services:
Vericon offers expert guidance to help housing providers interpret their data and develop effective strategies to address damp and mould issues. This includes advice on proactive maintenance, targeted repairs, and regulatory compliance.
Benefits of Working With Vericon
Improved resident health and safety:
By quickly identifying and addressing damp and mould problems, housing providers can create healthier living environments for their residents. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions.
Enhanced property condition:
Vericon helps maintain the quality and safety of social housing stock. By proactively detecting and addressing damp and mould issues, providers can prevent further deterioration and costly repairs down the line.
Efficient resource allocation:
The data-driven insights from Vericon enable housing providers to allocate their repair and maintenance resources more effectively. By focusing on the most severe and problematic areas, they can maximize the impact of their efforts.
Regulatory compliance:
The use of advanced technology like Vericon demonstrates a proactive and responsible approach to property management. This can help housing providers meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties associated with poor living conditions.
Improved resident satisfaction:
By providing healthier and better-maintained homes, housing providers can enhance resident satisfaction and loyalty. This can lead to lower turnover rates and reduced costs associated with tenant acquisition and relocation.
The Outcome
Our products and data give social housing providers a powerful tool to proactively identify and address the root causes of damp and mould problems. By leveraging advanced sensors and analytics, providers can create healthier, safer, and more efficiently managed properties. The benefits of this technology extend to residents, who experience improved living conditions and greater satisfaction, as well as to housing providers, who see cost savings, regulatory compliance, and enhanced reputation.
As the tragic case of Awaab Ishak reminds us, the consequences of untreated damp and mould can be devastating. By embracing innovative solutions like Vericon, social housing providers can take proactive steps to prevent such tragedies and provide their residents with the safe and healthy homes they deserve.
Would you like to find out more?
Complete the form on this page and we will be in contact, alternatively please get in contact us by calling 01242 582 555.
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.1
Making the Most of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.1
First, we want to congratulate everyone who secured SHDF Wave 2.1 funding! Now, let’s explore how Vericon Systems can help you maximise this opportunity to transform your social housing properties.
How Vericon Systems Transforms Social Housing
Our innovative solutions directly support your decarbonisation goals. Most importantly, we help you boost energy efficiency, upgrade homes, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance tenant living conditions.
Smart Solutions for Better Results
Powerful Energy Monitoring
Our smart monitoring systems give you clear insights into energy usage. As a result, you can spot opportunities to reduce consumption at both individual properties and across your entire portfolio.
Intelligent Building Controls
First off, our smart thermostat works with our BCM to cut energy bills by up to 22%. Moreover, we’ve developed specific modulation curves for all boiler types. Therefore, when combined with our universal thermostat, you can efficiently control any connected boiler.
Additionally, our cloud-connected devices constantly track your assets. Subsequently, our system analyses this data to alert you about issues and identify concerning trends before they become problems.
Effective Retrofitting Solutions
Our products excel at monitoring buildings before and after upgrades. Consequently, you can measure exact improvements in energy consumption and emissions.
To modernise properties effectively, we recommend installing IoT temperature sensors, humidity monitors, and boiler tracking equipment. Thanks to our expertise in retrofitting, you’ll make smart upgrade decisions based on solid data.
Want to track improvement? Simply install our BCM, Multidot, or Cube devices before starting retrofit work. Then, these sensors will continuously monitor temperature and humidity in each room. Best of all, you can access this data through our user-friendly online portal.
Data-Driven Success
Our robust analytics help you make smarter decisions about maintenance and energy management. Thus, you can strategically use your SHDF Wave 2.1 funding where it matters most.
Tackling Fuel Poverty
Our cutting-edge solutions actively identify residents struggling with fuel poverty. Through advanced monitoring and analytics, we quickly spot unusual heating patterns or high energy use. In turn, this enables you to support vulnerable residents promptly and effectively.
Ready to Get Started?
Connect with our team today to discuss your needs:
- Phone: 01242 582 555
- Email: [email protected]
We offer all these capabilities as a comprehensive Managed Service, ensuring you get maximum value from your investment.