“The AI-driven Leanheat solution has been piloted in about 60 of our buildings for a period of time. The experiences have been positive, so we are now expanding the system to another 26,000 Lumo homes,” Kujansuu says.

The installation work will take place in the autumn. This will involve installing wireless temperature and humidity sensors in some of the apartments. Roughly the size of a light switch, the unit is attached to the wall in an open area, usually above the living room light switches.

“The sensors collect room temperature data to enable the smart system to learn the characteristics of the building and adjust the indoor temperature to make it stable and optimised in each apartment.

Leanheat also takes weather forecasts into account; for example, by turning up the heat when a cold front approaches. The system also helps identify significant discrepancies between the temperatures of Lumo apartments in the same building.

The target level for a healthy and optimal indoor temperature is 20–23 degrees during the heating season.

“Real-time temperature data helps us react as quickly as possible. Ideally, we can rectify the situation even before the tenant is able to submit a complaint about the apartment being too cold, for example,” Kujansuu explains.

Optimising heating also helps decrease energy consumption, which in turn reduces the carbon footprint of the properties.

Kujansuu is excited by the opportunities presented by new technology in the property sector. Leanheat is a good example of this technological progress. In addition to temperature, the system can be taught to analyse changes in humidity. This helps identify deficiencies in ventilation, for example.

Kujansuu, who has worked in the area of technical building systems at Kojamo for 14 years, emphasises that automated systems will never completely replace property industry professionals and smooth customer service.

“The biggest challenge is developing our operations in such a way as to make effective use of data. When an alert shows up in the system, for example, we need to respond as quickly as possible and fix the situation,” Kujansuu concludes.