Swedish city uses IoT to detect open windows and clogged gutters

The Swedish city of Helsingborg is using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to keep municipal properties secure and in good repair.

A pilot project has been launched to detect clogged gutters. Another recently announced service flags windows that have accidentally been left open.

Battery-powered sensors are placed on windows and connected to the city’s network. Staff can see which windows are open online and on mobile devices, meaning they don’t need to manually check them all at the end of each day.

“By using the service, the city minimises the costs of reporting and monitoring from alarm companies,” said Thomas Huldt, business developer and IoT product owner in the City of Helsingborg’s digitisation department.

The city says the service also saves energy and staff time and helps to prevent vandalism.

Eleven schools using the window sensors are saving around SEK 300,000 (US$29,000) per year.

Balancing budgets

The latest IoT project focuses on gutters. Daniel Edenström, administrative manager in the property management team, said one of the biggest challenges is balancing the maintenance budget across all the city’s properties.

“Clogged gutters can over time lead to moisture-damaged facades, which is very costly,” he commented.

It can be difficult to detect problems with gutters as they often sit high up on buildings.

A new pilot project at three schools, which runs until April, aims to address this. Leakage sensors in the gutters will warn of blockages to minimise inspections and long-term damage.

“We will test whether we can digitally keep track of our gutters and thus more quickly fix them if necessary before the façade and building are damaged,” said Edenström.

Another Helsingborg IoT service alerts city staff when football fields need to be watered, saving them time and reducing water usage.