Individual heat metering and charging of multi‐dwelling residential housing

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to look more closely at the residents' attitude to individual heat metering and charging systems (IMC) of multi‐family dwellings in residential properties, and to evaluate the tenant's perception of IMC and how it may affect the continued expansion of such systems. Design/methodology/approach The research in this paper is based on a questionnaire and interviews with tenants at two municipal housing companies, in Sweden, that currently are using IMC. Findings The studies in this paper show certain dissatisfaction with the applied IMC systems. This depends partly on the tenant's perceived lack of knowledge and partly because of the technical shortcomings of the IMC system. Originality/value In order to increase the extension of IMC a better understanding is required of how the systems work and why they are used. Information to the tenants needs to be improved and techniques need to be developed to create fairer systems of IMC and thus increase the level of acceptance from both landlords and tenants.