This review is on the DewStop Model FS-100 by GTR Technologies, Inc. It is a humidity and condensation fan switch designed to help prevent mold and mildew.
DewStop is designed for moisture problem areas of a home, like a bathroom, indoor pool or hot tub area, garage, or a sun room. Just make sure areas you plan to install DewStop comply with your current electrical codes.
The DewStop FS-100 includes: DewStop switch, switch plate, four wire nuts, two screws, a small manual, and quick reference guide for what the buttons do on the fan switch.
The instructions explain installation or you can view an installation video at www.dewstop.com/install. The fan switch electrical input is 120 volts @ 60Hz with a maximum fan load of 3 Amps.
The DewStop unit has an arrow and “UP” on the right side for installing that is printed on the switch plate.
After tucking the wires into the switch box, DewStop is fastened to the switch box with the two screws provided.
Our existing fan switch had shared a box with an outlet. We re-used the wall plate we had, but it wasn’t quite a perfect fit and this was because the electrical box is a retro fit box, where there are tabs that sit on top of the existing drywall. Our previous switch had tabs to break off for this style of electrical box so the wall plate would then sit flush.
Unfortunately, DewStop does not have tabs to break off so the switch rested on the tabs and caused the wall plate to sit out a little from the wall. We could correct this with a new construction box.
New construction boxes work fine, but if you have a retro fit box that has two or more receptacles/switches, you may have to purchase a different wall plate to accommodate deeper tabs. The wall plate that was included with the DewStop FS-100 would have worked if it was a single receptacle in a retro fit box and not the double like we have or for someone with a triple receptacle.
The blue LED light is illuminated in this image. The Patent Pending sensor “Condensation Sentry” is at the top with the blue LED light on it. The middle button is to manually turn on the fan and the lower button is to turn off the fan manually. If the fan is turned on manually, it will run for 30 minutes. The Condensation Sentry sensor turns the fan on if condensation(dew) is at wall accumulating levels. The room will need to show visible signs of wetness attaching to surfaces, such as steam on walls/mirrors/fixtures. The visible steam present in the air is not the problem. The problem occurs when moisture in the air becomes too heavy and the air can not support the moisture. The moisture then moves to surfaces (this is the dew point), triggering the DewStop sensors. This sensor will bring the condensation level back down in the room and automatically turns the fan off.
It has been a personal adjustment to not go and turn on the fan switch before stepping in the shower. I can hear the DewStop switch when it automatically turns on, usually after being in the shower for a few minutes. We had some humid days recently and I left a window open in the bathroom where we have the fan switch mounted. I was surprised to hear it running, but there was moisture present on the bathroom walls and so it was just doing its job. It is nice that DewStop has the automatic mode that runs only when it needs to, saving energy and thus $$.
The DewStop FS-100 has a suggested retail of $44.95 and comes in white or almond. This product does carry a one year limited warranty and has a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with this product. There is also a DewStop FS-200 that is a Condensation Sentry fan and light switch.
NOTE: A good quality fan properly sized for the room is essential to the successful removal of moisture from any room. DewStop only detects condensation, it cannot stop it. DewStop relies ona closed room and a quality fan to properly detect condensation and dray a room.
Disclosure: I received the DewStop FS-100 for this review. The thoughts and feelings expressed are my own. No other compensation was received in order to produce this review.
