SmartHomeConnection

Oh, moldyou’re the bane of bathrooms worldwide. The condensation and humidity in these rooms provides the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow and spread its allergenic spores. Don’t underestimate its other health effects, either. Mold can elevate your risk for respiratory infections and bronchitis, as well as being linked to fungal infections like athlete’s foot and tinea cruris. Running the fan is one way to prevent condensation and mold buildup, but this uses a lot of energyand how do you know when enough’s enough? The makers of DewStop had the same question, and decided to do something about it.The DewStop device is a switch that connects to your bathroom’s exhaust fan. You don’t have to install the fan and switch at the same timeDewStop can be easily added at any time after. Besides working as a normal switch, DewStop will automatically turn on the fan when it senses the condensation level in the room rising. The sensor pays attention to visible signs of wetness attaching to surfaces, such as steam on a wall or mirror. When these signs appear, the fan will run for 30 minutes, or until condensation is no longer present, and then automatically turn off.DewStop is copyrighted by GTR Technologies, Inc., a Seattle, Washington-based company. However, you can order the device from the website www.dewstop.com. DewStop comes in two versionsa fan switch (64.95) and a fan & light switch (74.95). Both include the Condensation Sentry at the top, the company’s patent pending sensor, along with two buttons for turning on and off the fan. The more expensive version includes a middle button for turning on and off the light.The benefits of the DewStop device are obvious. In addition to helping to combat mold buildup in the home, it helps to conserve the energy that your fan would be using while you take that relaxing bubble bath. The DewStop was promoted by Popular Science Magazine in their “Best of What’s New” list for 2010, and has also appeared in publications such as The Family Handyman, This Old House, and Handy: Handyman Club of America Magazine.Once you purchase your DewStop switch, you’ll never need to pay for another onethe switch requires no maintenance. That means it can last as long as your bathroom doesand maybe even longer. If you read our article on installing a TV in the bathroom, or just enjoy a long, leisurely bath every now and then, consider making an investment in DewStop. After all, it’s an investment in your home’s future.