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Use of Simple Telemetry to Reduce the Health Impacts of Fuel Poverty and Living in Cold Homes

Author

Listed:
  • Adam Pollard

    (Numeration Systems, Ltd., Health and Well-Being Innovation Centre, Truro TR1 3FF, UK)

  • Tim Jones

    (Community Energy Plus, Truro TR1 2SJ, UK)

  • Stephen Sherratt

    (Numeration Systems, Ltd., Health and Well-Being Innovation Centre, Truro TR1 3FF, UK)

  • Richard A. Sharpe

    (Health and Well-being and Public Health, Cornwall Council, Truro TR1 3AY, UK
    European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro TR1 3HD, UK)

Abstract

Introduction: In Great Britain, roughly half of people with at least one long-standing illness (LSI) live in low-income households. Lower-income households are at risk of fuel poverty and living in a colder house, which can worsen certain health conditions, causing related morbidity and mortality. This pilot study aimed to assess whether raising occupants’ awareness of indoor temperatures in the home could initiate improved health and well-being among such vulnerable residents. Methods: Thermometers were placed inside a manufactured bamboo brooch to be worn or placed within homes during the winter of 2016/17. These devices were supplied to households (n = 34) already assisted by Community Energy Plus, which is a private social enterprise in Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK), using initiatives aimed at maintaining “healthy homes”. Questionnaires were supplied to households before devices were supplied, and then again at the end of a three-month period, with further questions asked when devices were collected. Temperatures were recorded automatically every half-hour and used to draw inference from questionnaire responses, particularly around health and well-being. Results: Questionnaires were completed by 22 households. Throughout the winter, those declaring the poorest health when supplied with devices maintained homes at a higher average temperature. There were also indications that those with raised awareness of interior temperatures sought fewer casual medicines. Conclusion: Simple telemetry could play a role in the management of chronic health conditions in winter, helping healthcare systems become more sustainable. The need for higher indoor temperatures among people with an LSI highlights the need to consider this approach alongside more sustainable household energy-efficiency improvements. A larger study is needed to explore this further and quantify the cost benefit of this approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Pollard & Tim Jones & Stephen Sherratt & Richard A. Sharpe, 2019. "Use of Simple Telemetry to Reduce the Health Impacts of Fuel Poverty and Living in Cold Homes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-15, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:16:p:2853-:d:256425
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Woo-Seung Yun & Wontaek Ryu & Hyuncheol Seo & Won-hwa Hong & Seung-Woo Lee, 2024. "IoT-Based Indoor Thermal Environment and Occupancy Monitoring for Energy Poverty Care," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-19, January.
    2. Chengju Wang & Juan Wang & Dan Norbäck, 2022. "A Systematic Review of Associations between Energy Use, Fuel Poverty, Energy Efficiency Improvements and Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-29, June.
    3. Clavijo-Núñez, Susana & Herrera-Limones, Rafael & Rey-Pérez, Julia & Torres-García, Miguel, 2022. "Energy poverty in Andalusia. An analysis through decentralised indicators," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).

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