What is a home sensor?
An overview of devices that measure environmental conditions in a home.
An introduction to sensors
1. Sensors are small
Indoor sensors measure conditions inside a home. There are many types of sensors, which come in different shapes and sizes.
Some look like small boxes or plugs, others can be built into similar devices.
2. They are not new
Many people already have sensors in the home, such as a smart meter to track electricity use or a smoke alarm to monitor the risk of fire.
Additional devices can be used to detect several other important conditions.
3. They monitor several variables
Indoor environmental sensors can measure things such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and energy use.
Homes may have 3 or more devices installed, depending on each person and their needs. For example, a heat and humidity sensor in the bathroom can help check conditions when the shower is used.
4. Data security is important
A dashboard lets people observe how a home is working, spot when someone might be feeling unwell, and can help to improve comfort and health.
Guidance and regulations exist for safe and ethical management of this information, but data security is still a concern for residents. Continued attention should be given to how data is handled as new sensor technologies develop.
Some things sensors do not do.
❌ Sensors do not solve problems alone.
Sensor data can notify people to an issue but it still needs to be interpreted and acted upon.
❌ They are not an emergency service.
The readings from sensors are not constantly monitored. They cannot be used to spot an urgent situation or alert the emergency services.
❌ Sensors do not replace face to face care.
They can be used to initiate in-person conversations, rather than replace them.
What people say
“I felt reassured knowing someone was keeping an eye on me.”
– Resident
“It’s better to work on a problem, rather than a crisis.”
– Housing provider
“We can spot problems early and proactively intervene.”
– Care provider
“Each user needs to see the data presented in a way that works for them.”
– Researcher
