Many property owners and operators look to introduce smart home amenities to their communities as a way to attract new residents and improve retention rates, which is why most of the features in IoT-driven solutions are geared toward residents. This is where TrustHab is different. While our solution does offer many benefits that enhance the resident living experience, our smart sustainability solution focuses on empowering operators to easily identify cost-saving opportunities throughout their buildings. To achieve this, TrustHab leverages a variety of smart devices, proactive maintenance alerts, and a centralized platform. We offer a complete package, as opposed to just the devices or the software.

Below is an overview of the main cost-saving solutions that make up TrustHab.

Energy Management

Ensuring optimal equipment performance within a residence is one of the best ways to keep utility expenses to a minimum. TrustHab leverages smart thermostats and a centralized platform to collect and analyze HVAC-related data, like unit runtime, throughout a property, allowing onsite teams to easily identify inefficiently performing equipment that may be causing an unnecessary spike in utility bills. Through the centralized platform, managers may also make remote adjustments to thermostat set points and implement daily scheduling in an effort to conserve energy usage where possible. This feature is especially useful for managing vacant units. Our real-time alerting system allows teams to proactively address potential maintenance problems before they become expensive. We have integrated Z-Wave+ and WiFi-enabled wireless digital thermostats, switches and outlets into the TrustHab portal. These devices are designed to control the majority of HVAC systems and other appliances, like water heaters.

Humidity Mitigation

While high humidity levels for an extended period of time can be conducive to mold growth, it’s important not to allow humidity levels to get too low either. This can be equally as destructive to equipment and personal belongings. The TrustHab Humidity Mitigation solution allows properties to continuously monitor humidity in vacant and occupied residences and ensure the appropriate levels are maintained at all times. One of the main benefits to humidity mitigation is of course avoiding mold remediation, which is not only an extreme hassle for both staff and residents, but is also one of the most costly maintenance related repairs for properties to undergo. Additional benefits include optimized HVAC efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced resident comfort.

Leak Detection

Early detection of leaks not only saves water but will also prevent costly damage to property. Being that most leaks typically occur in hidden areas, such as underneath sinks or behind toilets, it’s very common for them to go undetected – especially if the unit is vacant. TrustHab’s proven Leak Detection system uses discreet, non-invasive sensors and the Dome Water Main Shut-off device to ensure the water main is automatically turned off the moment a leak is detected. A real-time alert is then sent directly to the platform to notify management, removing the need for anyone to physically be in the residence for the problem to be discovered. What’s more, insurance companies will often lower premiums after a property installs a leak detection system, providing an additional way for operators to further reduce their costs.

Smart Locks and Access Control

The TrustHab Access Control system delivers an effective way to save on man-hours and enhance security. Onsite teams being called after-hours to respond to resident lockouts is a common pain point reported by property managers – but with digital access systems, entry can easily be granted remotely by authorized personnel. No manual rekeying required. In addition to being convenient for residents, digital access systems also provide ease of access for any temporary guests. This includes contractors that may be completing temporary work orders inside units. Being able to remotely provide access to any residence and then take it away once the job has been completed eliminates the need for onsite teams to manually collect physical keys, and enhances security for existing residents who can rest assured that access codes for guests are only valid for the necessary and specified time frame.

Utilizing the solutions mentioned above, TrustHab has successfully helped multifamily and student housing operators substantially reduce their costs and improve property NOI. Request a tour of our platform to learn more about our features, smart devices, proactive maintenance alerts, and analytics tools . Additionally, you can check out our use cases to see how we’ve helped partners reduce HVAC runtime by 45% and achieve 28% savings on electricity bills.