Salix Homes installs smart tech in over 2,000 homes to help tackle damp and mould

Salix Homes has installed smart thermostats in more than 2,000 homes across Salford, as part of our commitment to tackling damp, mould and condensation.

We’ve recently completed an installation programme to put Switchee smart thermostats in 2,349 homes, after securing funding through the Social Housing Quality Fund (SHQF).

The devices deliver real-time data, acting as an early warning indicator to let us know if a property is at risk of damp, mould or condensation. They measure the temperature, airflow and humidity inside the home, and if they detect an issue, they send us a warning signal directly to let us know.

The devices are small and non-intrusive and simply replace the existing boiler thermostat. They can also detect any faults with the boiler and will alert us about those too.

Liam Turner, Executive Director of Assets, Growth and Sustainability at Salix Homes, said: “We take the condition of our homes very seriously and we are committed to making sure all our customers have a healthy and safe home, free from damp, mould and condensation.

“By installing these smart thermostats, made possible through funding from the Social Housing Quality Fund, we can quickly determine if a property is at risk of damp, mould and condensation, enabling us to take the necessary steps to prevent it before it becomes an issue.

“These smart devices also support our ambitions to use data and technology to better manage our properties and identify areas for investment, which we hope will provide some reassurance to our customers that we’re committed to proactively managing their homes to the highest standards.”

The £15million Social Housing Quality Fund was launched by Secretary of State Michael Gove to help improve the quality of social housing and tackle damp and mould health hazards.

Funding was allocated by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and distributed to housing providers across Greater Manchester, with Salix Homes being awarded a £679,683 share to fund the installation of the Switchee devices.

Mr Gove has since written to GM Mayor Andy Burnham and GMCA to compliment our collective efforts. He said: “I am pleased to hear that the funding to Greater Manchester has led to improvements to over 14,000 homes. I hope that momentum is maintained and look forward to the completion of the improvement works and understanding the learning from the programme. This will be helpful for both GMCA and the Government as we continue to work together to improve the quality of social homes.”

Find out more about our commitment to tackling damp, mould and condensation.