Resident behaviour — the rational choices that create problems
Residents know the recommendations. They just do not follow them. And that is actually rational. Here is why everyday logical choices can lead to damp problems — and how data can change the conversation.
Introduction
Even in homes with correctly sized and technically working ventilation, residents' patterns of use can create critical humidity levels. Drying laundry indoors, limited airing out and reduced heating are among the most moisture-loading routines.
But here is the point: from the resident's perspective these choices are often entirely rational.
1. Habits formed over a lifetime
Studies of Danish homes show that heating preferences vary considerably between residents. Some prefer it warm, others prefer cool temperatures — particularly in bedrooms. Many residents have habits formed over a lifetime and tied to social norms and ingrained practices.
The recommendation is to keep the temperature above 18 °C in all rooms, since relative humidity rises sharply at lower temperatures. But many residents lower the temperature in bedrooms or unused rooms to save energy. From the resident's perspective that is a rational choice. From a moisture engineering perspective it is precisely what creates risk.
2. Everyday logical choices
Studies show that residents typically know the recommendations but do not follow them consistently. Closing vents that cause a draught. Drying laundry indoors rather than using a tumble dryer. Saving on heating. All choices that make sense day to day, but that can contribute to damp problems over time.
The reasons are often:
- comfort
- routines from childhood
- saving energy
These habits can be hard to change, even when the consequences are clear — not least because the consequences often only show up months later.
3. Data changes the conversation
IoT data makes the link between behaviour and moisture patterns visible and makes it easier to explain the consequences objectively. When residents can see night-time rises and slow drying during the day, the consequences of low heating in cold spells, the effect of drying laundry indoors, and how quickly improvements take hold, the dialogue becomes more constructive.
Data can also give residents direct feedback through an app where they follow their indoor climate in real time and receive recommendations. This kind of nudging has proved effective at encouraging sensible behaviour without being preachy or moralising.
4. From blame to cooperation
Traditionally damp cases have been dominated by the question of blame: is it the building's fault or the resident's? With data we can shift the focus from blame to solutions. We can see whether the problem is technical or behavioural — and often it is a combination. That makes it possible to target the effort and build cooperation around solving it.
Do you work with behavioural issues in your buildings — or is the focus mainly on the technology?
Shall we look at your buildings?
Book a no-obligation meeting — we will calculate your concrete potential.