Public Participation

1) Information

The study is designed to be simple and flexible for households that choose to join. 

A small, quiet sensor is installed in your home to measure air quality (including tiny particles called PM2.5 and carbon dioxide), as well as temperature and humidity. It does not record images, video or sound. 

It plugs into a normal socket using a two-way adaptor, so you keep full use of the plug. The sensor runs on its own for up to two years, uses very little electricity, and will be replaced if it stops working. The sensor uses Wi-Fi or its own 4G connection.  

Participants complete three short surveys: one before the retrofit, one afterwards, and a final one a few months later. Each takes around 15 minutes to complete, and a paper version is available, if preferred. 

As a thank you for taking part, you’ll get a £20 voucher when the sensor is installed, £20 vouchers for completing the pre- and post-retrofit surveys; and a further £40 voucher upon completion of the final survey.

At the end of the observations, households also receive personalised feedback on their indoor environment, along with practical suggestions that may help improve comfort, health and wellbeing.   

Additional participant information can be found in this recruitment flyer and under ‘participant resource documents’.

1. A small, quiet sensor is installed in your home to measure air quality, temperature and moisture. You will receive a £20 voucher when the sensor is installed.

2. It plugs into a normal socket using a two-way adaptor, so you keep full use of the plug. The sensor runs on its own for up to two years, uses very little electricity, and will be replaced if it stops working. 

3. Participants complete three short surveys: one before the retrofit, one afterwards, and a final one a few months later. Each takes around 15 minutes to complete, and a paper version is available if preferred.

4. As a thank you for your time and contributions, upon completing the surveys you will receive: 

  • a £20 voucher when the sensor is installed,
  • a £20 voucher for completing a pre-retrofit survey, 
  • a further £20 voucher for the post-retrofit survey,  
  • a final £40 voucher for the final survey (around 15 minutes each). 

You will also have the opportunity to take part in a prize draw to win a £1,000 Love2Shop voucher. 

5. You will also receive personalised feedback on your indoor environment, along with practical suggestions that may help improve your family’s comfort, health and wellbeing.    

2) Early participant feedback / testimony

Check back for participant testimonials soon!

3) FAQs

How do I contact the research team? 
  • Phone or WhatsApp: 07483 103594 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) 

The team will be happy to help with any questions about taking part in the study.

What vouchers and rewards will I receive? 

As a thank you for taking part, you will receive: 

  • £20 when the sensor is installed 
  • £20 after the first survey 
  • £20 after the second survey 
  • £40 after the final survey and return of the sensor 
  • Entry into a £1,000 prize draw 

This is to recognise your time and contribution throughout the study. 

You will also receive a personalised report on your home environment with guidance to help improve air quality, comfort and health for you and those living in your home. 

What is the study about and why are we using air quality sensors and surveys?

The INHABIT Healthy Homes Study looks at how energy saving home improvements affect indoor air quality, warmth, damp, mould, and health. The air quality sensors measure conditions inside your home, while the surveys capture your experiences of comfort, health, and daily life. Together, this helps build evidence to improve future housing, reduce energy bills, and support healthier homes. 

How long will the air quality monitor stay in my home?

The air quality monitor will stay in your home for the duration of the project (up to 2 years unless agreed otherwise). We will contact you to arrange removal when monitoring is complete. 

What happens when the monitor is removed? 

We will collect the monitor and provide you with a summary of your home air quality results.

How will I receive my air quality results?

You will receive a summary of your air quality results. This summary will include: the average indoor air pollution concentrations inside your home, temperature and humidity, a comparison with the local average, and recommendations on how to improve your indoor environment.

When will I be asked to complete surveys?

You will be asked to complete three short surveys at different stages of the study. One survey before home improvements begin, one shortly after the work is completed, and one a few months later to understand longer term changes.

What should I do if the monitor lights come on or it makes a sound?

Most lights are normal, but if the left (top-left) light turns red, yellow, or purple, or you are unsure, please contact the research team on 07483 103594 (Monday – Friday 9am till 5pm) or email at inhabit@contacts.bham.ac.uk 

What happens to my data after the study?

Your information will be kept private and stored securely. It will not include your name, address, or any details that could identify you. 

Results from all homes are combined and shared in reports and research, and with councils, housing providers, researchers and policy makers. No individual household will be identified. 

Is this study linked to my local council or authority?

Yes, you have been invited to participate because your local authority, council or housing association is a project partner

Do I need to live in a certain region of the UK to take part?

The project is currently focused on taking measurements in homes located within the West Midlands Combined Authority area, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and York and North Yorkshire. However, we are open to discussions in working beyond these regions.  

Can I take part if I rent my home as a tenant?

Yes. You can take part if you rent your home and plan to remain in it for 24 months. The study is open to both homeowners and tenants, provided you are aged 18 or over, live in an eligible home (with an EPC rating of D or below), and expect to remain in your current home during the study period.

I am a landlord; can I initiate the participation of my property with tenants’ approval?

Yes. A landlord can express interest in the study, but participation can only go ahead with the tenant’s informed consent. The tenant must be aged 18 or over, live in an eligible home (with an EPC rating of D or below), and be willing to take part, including having the sensor installed and completing the study surveys.

Can I take part if I live in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)? (A home where three or more people (not a family) live together and share facilities like a bathroom)

Smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) (3–4 units, with each unit consisting of either a family or an individual) may be included only where informed consent can be obtained from a representative of each family unit or from each individual tenant if they rent separately.

Larger HMOs (≥5 units, with each unit consisting of either a family or an individual) or student accommodations, where obtaining collective consent from all occupants would be impractical, are excluded under the study’s eligibility criteria.

Can multiple people in my household take part?

Only one person in the household can be the corresponding participant for the entire home, as the study takes measurements for one home to avoid duplication.

I have pets; is it OK if I still participate?

Yes, that is fine. Just make sure the sensor is placed where your pets can’t interfere with it

What if I move home during the study?

If you move home during the study, please let us know as soon as possible. We will arrange to collect the sensor from your current home. You can withdraw from the study at any time, and moving home will not affect your eligibility for any home energy-saving measures you may be receiving.

Will the sensor increase my energy bill?

The sensor uses a small amount of electricity. It will use about £3 worth of electricity per year.

4) Participant resources

Please check back for updates; in the meantime, please contact us at inhabit@contacts.bham.ac.uk  if you would like to take part.