Innovator of the Year 2008: Global Moisture Management Systems

Andrew Fuller has developed one of those products people hear about and think, “That’s so simple. Why didn’t I think of that?”

Through his residential building company, Claycor Contractors, Fuller has repaired plenty of homes that have been damaged because of a water leak. But Fuller wanted to do more than just repair moisture damage. So he invented a product that can eliminate the damage altogether.

Global Moisture Management Systems has a wireless sensor that attaches to water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators and dishwashers. If the device detects a water leak, it sends out a signal and the water to the appliance is shut off.

Fuller has attracted the attention of insurance companies — Farm Bureau Insurance is looking at giving its customers a discount if they install a Global Moisture device.

Insurance companies spend $6 billion a year in the United States on moisture damage, Fuller said.

The devices are still in the development stage, but should be ready for sale by the end of the year. Retail price will be $700-$850 for the device, and then homeowners will pay an annual monitoring fee. Fuller is working with UEC Electronics LLC in Hanahan on the development and production of his devices.

Fuller said he would have been happy to purchase this kind of device off the shelf, but nothing existed. So he stepped in to fill a need.

“We want to minimize the risk homeowners will have with water damage,” Fuller said.