Energy efficiency in social homes falls short by 14%, as revealed in a recent study
In the realm of social housing, proper ventilation is not just a luxury, but a necessity. A study by ventilation solutions provider Airflow has shed light on the energy performance of social homes, revealing a significant gap between the properties' energy efficiency and the ventilation available within them.
The study, which examined the energy efficiency of social homes and analysed data from the Social Housing Residents Survey, found that current ventilation and insulation measures are hindering social homes from reaching certain energy efficiency goals.
Poor ventilation can lead to a host of issues. A build-up of moisture, for instance, fosters mould growth and creates an environment conducive to various health and respiratory problems. This is a concern that social housing tenants face more than 11 times more often than plumbing problems.
Tenant dissatisfaction with social housing properties is often linked to inadequate airflow and ventilation. Tenants, in a bid to improve their living conditions, resort to makeshift solutions like hanging sheets to divide spaces, which not only block airflow but also create fire hazards.
Moreover, social housing properties struggle to adapt to heatwaves, failing to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, particularly at night. This discomfort and the resulting health risks highlight the need for better night-time ventilation and cooling systems in social housing.
Effective cooling solutions, such as functioning air conditioning systems, are crucial to meet legal and tenant expectations and avoid complaints related to heat and indoor climate.
To address ventilation issues in social homes, landlords can upgrade ventilation fans, install mechanical ventilation systems, and seal gaps that allow drafts. Thorough checks should be run to determine the necessary improvements for each social housing property.
Recently, Awaab's Law received Royal Assent, requiring social housing landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould in their properties. This law underscores the importance of addressing ventilation issues in social housing to improve the living conditions of tenants and ensure their satisfaction.
In conclusion, the Airflow study underscores the critical role of proper ventilation in social housing. Lack of proper ventilation, failure to maintain acceptable indoor temperatures, and resulting unsafe tenant practices rank among the top causes of tenant dissatisfaction in social housing units. By addressing these issues, social housing landlords can improve the living conditions of their tenants and ensure their satisfaction.
- The study in environmental science, focusing on social housing, has revealed that poor ventilation contributes to climate-change related issues, such as mould growth and dampness, which are backed up by Awaab's Law.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, social housing residents suffer more frequently from respiratory problems due to the build-up of moisture resulting from inadequate airflow, emphasizing the importance of ventilation solutions for improving well-being.
- Future research in science and housing may involve studying the effectiveness of various ventilation systems and climate-change adaptation technologies, like air conditioning and mechanical ventilation, in enhancing the overall energy efficiency and well-being of social housing properties.
