In today's technologically advanced world, power monitoring has become an essential aspect of building management. From ensuring energy efficiency...
The Importance of Power Monitoring in UK Social Housing
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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.