research

Connecting householders with their homes using low-cost technological interventions

Abstract

Dampness-related problems at home can put householders’ health at risk. Householders often do not know how to use their homes to get the conditions they want. They are unable to understand the complex interplay between humidity, air temperature and ventilation, provoking unhealthy interior environments unintentionally. This paper presents an analysis of problems associated with dampness and householders’ behaviour in low-income houses in South Wales. This project aims to help people to understand better how their homes work, and encourage them to strengthen their connection to the indoor environment of their home by using low-cost feedback devices. The study uses off-the-shelf, real-time feedback technology to help householders visualize how their homes respond to their actions. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were used to identify ‘good’ and ‘bad’ practices of home operation. Data-logging equipment was used to measure the physical variables of the indoor environment. The results describe householders’ experiences and feedback when using low-cost technological interventions to understand moisture-related problems at home. Some possible triggers for householders’ actions are suggested along with other factors that may inhibit people’s connections with their homes such as lifestyle, technological skills and knowledge

    Similar works