A Cheshire company is calling on property professionals to adopt some groundbreaking technology, making significant strides in addressing a critical and topical issue – the harmful effects of mould growth within homes. This health challenge has already had tragic consequences, leading to new government guidelines for landlords and new laws soon to be implemented. But help is now at hand!
Part of the solution is understanding when atmospheric boundary conditions for mould growth have been met. A novel device, AQ Home® www.aqhome.co.uk has been developed by Motrac Research Engineering in close collaboration with The University of Chester and Liverpool John Moores University. This breakthrough is thanks in part to grant funding from a UK Shared Prosperity Innovation grant . The AQ Home® system promises to be a beacon of innovation in the pursuit for healthier living environments.
The UKSPF Innovation project is one of 5 projects being delivered by Cheshire West and Chester Council and 4 delivery partners, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
At the core of AQ Home® lies a groundbreaking mould index algorithm model. This model enables the early identification and warning of ambient conditions conducive to mould growth, allowing for timely interventions. By proactively identifying boundary conditions, AQ Home® not only reduces the need for costly remediation measures but also serves as a guardian against the health hazards associated with household mould.
Recent tragic cases have underscored the urgency of understanding and controlling mould growth, especially black mould infestations that pose severe risks, particularly to children and those with respiratory conditions. AQ Home® is positioned as a transformative device for landlords and housing associations that goes beyond being a mere air quality monitor; it is a proactive solution designed to help prevent mould growth within households.
The company behind this innovation are calling on housing associations and landlords to contact them. The team are currently rolling out a number of subsidised pilot studies to demonstrate functionality and efficacy of the system, whilst further improving the algorithms.
The device measures ambient air temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. What sets AQ Home® apart is its seamless integration of IoT (Internet of Things) technology, enabling real-time data transmission to secure, cloud-based servers. This integration enables AI and machine learning algorithms to generate the predictive insights offered by the mould index.
Householders and landlords can gain valuable insights into the air quality within a property. For tenants and householders, AQ Home® offers an intuitive on-screen traffic light display, providing a quick snapshot of temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. This prompts when improved ventilation is required or other changes to be made.
Landlords, benefit significantly from AQ Home®. They gain access to a comprehensive set of air quality data through a secure, cloud-based dashboard. This platform enables real-time monitoring and oversight across multiple properties or devices within a single property. Built-in reporting functions and alerts add an extra layer of convenience, notifying stakeholders when mould index risk levels exceed preset thresholds.
While AQ Home® is already commercially available and ready for deployment, Motrac Research is not resting on its laurels. A visionary step forward involves large-scale pilot studies, aiming to refine system capabilities and tailor the device to meet the dynamic needs of clients. The collaboration with academic institutions reflects Motrac Research's commitment to ongoing research and development, emphasizing the use of AI and machine learning algorithms to enhance the predictive insights.
In essence, AQ Home® stands as a testament to the power of synergy between business and academia. Through cutting-edge research and practical application, this innovative could redefine the landscape of home health. AQ Home® is emerging not just as a device but as a catalyst for a healthier, safer, and more informed living experience for all its residents.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. Visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus for more information.