We have an important update regarding government regulation around incandescent and halogen bulb consumption to share with you that will impact our service.

Starting in 2007 the government announced a process to eliminate incandescent and halogen bulbs. After only 15 years, the transition is imminent. Effective August 1, 2023, all bulbs sold in the U.S. must be 65% more efficient than a traditional incandescent. Specifically, a bulb must produce 45 lumens per watt of electricity used – this means each bulb must make more light with less energy. 

Leading up to the cutoff in August, our ability to source incandescent bulbs will come to an end. What little supply we can find is expensive, delayed, often produced by a secondary manufacturer, and arrives damaged. We are aware of the heartburn this may cause, but there is no need for it. 

Today, LEDs are designed to shine every bit as warm as their incandescent predecessors! Side-by-side, LED bulbs are indistinguishable from incandescents. To ensure consistent lighting in your home, our techs are being trained to replace not just the one out-bulb, but all incandescent bulbs in a room to LED. If you prefer a different solution, please let us know and we will accommodate your request.  

Throughout this conversion, dimmers will need to be upgraded. If formerly incandescent bulbs flicker after being replaced with LEDs, it’s a sign of incompatibility (not an electrical emergency!). Old dimmers only work with high-wattage bulbs. If this happens, submit an electric request via the app and we’ll get a replacement scheduled.

It is mutually beneficial to make this transition as seamless as possible. But it’s important to know that Goodsmith has no choice but to exclusively stock LED and a select number of fluorescent bulbs. If your lighting preference is to continue using incandescent or halogen, we ask that you procure them prior to our maintenance visit – we will happily replace them for you.

We are here to discuss further if you have questions. Alternatively, here are some informational links with more detail. 

• Why can’t I get my old-style bulbs?  Regency Lighting Article
• Will LEDs make my house feel like a hospital? Lamps Plus Article
• Why do my LEDs not last 20+ years? ILEC Co-Op Article
• Do I need new dimmers? Conquer All Electrical Article

Just two and a half months after that wild winter storm, spring has finally arrived in Houston … and with it comes everyone’s “favorite” task: spring cleaning. Chances are, you know the drill when it comes to dusting, sweeping, and mopping your way to a sparkling clean home. But while you’re at it, why not take the opportunity to focus on some often overlooked areas, as well?

1. Your ceiling fans. Have you taken a good look at your ceiling fans lately? Without regular cleaning, these can be become bigtime dust magnets — but a regular feather duster just pushes that gunk off the blades onto the floor and furniture below. Instead, try one of our favorite tips: Grab an old pillowcase and slide it over each blade to thoroughly dust the top and bottom of the surface. When you’re finished, simply empty the pillowcase outside and throw it in the wash … problem solved!
2. Your windows and doors. With the winter chill behind us and summer on its way, now’s the perfect time to pay a little extra attention to your doors and windows. If they need recaulking, you’ll want to do it now … before they start letting in hot, humid summer air. To begin, search online for a highly rated urethane-base caulk. This specialty product isn’t stocked at your local hardware store, but its unique benefits are well worth it. Once it’s arrived, remove all the loose, aging sealant around the perimeter of your doors and windows. (Don’t try to apply a new layer over the old caulk.) Thoroughly clean the surfaces and wipe them dry, then apply the caulk in a smooth, even layer around the windows and doors.
3. Your fence and deck. Could your wooden deck or fence use a little sprucing up before summer arrives? While power-washing is the most efficient way to tackle the job, a garden hose, scrub brush, and some elbow grease will do just fine, too. (There are several deck cleaners on the market, but when in doubt, go with a mild option.) This step is even more important if you’re planning to add a new coat to your deck, so be sure to factor it in when considering your outdoor space this spring.
4. Your outdoor furniture. It’s not just your deck that will get more use as the weather warms up; your outdoor patio furniture and grill will get a lot more use, too. Make sure they’re ready by giving them a good deep cleaning. Some all-purpose cleaner and a hose are all it takes to get plastic chairs and tables in top shape, but metal, wood, and wicker furniture require a more delicate touch. Mix a little dish soap with a gallon of water, and gently scrub the surfaces before rinsing and drying. This mixture can also help tackle dirt or stains on fabric accents, like chair cushions and throw pillows. And of course, now’s the time to get your outdoor grill ready for action, as well. Give the outside a good wipe-down, and consider removing and soaking your grates in soapy water before scrubbing them clean of grease. Use your grill brush to scrape away any remaining grime before placing them back in the grill, and give yourself a pat on the back: You’re officially ready for cookout season.

Need a hand with some of your spring cleaning to-do’s? We can help with these tasks and more. Become a member to get started.

2020 may not have been the year many of us expected, but we hope yours contained at least a few bright spots. Now, with 2021 around the corner, it’s time to turn our attention to a tradition that even COVID-19 can’t dampen: new year’s resolutions.

Last year’s resolutions may not cut it this time around (so much for traveling more!). Instead, why not focus your 2021 resolutions on the place you know best: your home? With most of us continuing to spend the majority of our time at home, there’s never been a better opportunity to make sure the space around you is in top shape.

Kick the new year off right by committing to these four simple resolutions. Your home will thank you!

1) Change your HVAC filters on schedule. It’s an easy job that’s even easier to put off … but waiting too long to change your filters forces your AC unit and heater to work harder. That means higher electricity bills — so if saving money is also on your list of resolutions, you’ll want to take note. Change your filters at least once every three months to keep your HVAC system running strong all year long.

2) Change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries every 12 months. Changing batteries is another task homeowners often procrastinate on. We get it — no one looks forward to dragging a ladder from room to room to access each smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Still, this is one to-do you absolutely can’t put off. It’s a critical way to keep your family and home safe. You’ll be glad you did it!

3) Clean out your dryer vent once a year. We see a lot of clogged dryer vents on the job, and trust us — they’re not pretty. As lint builds up over time, it clogs the dryer exhaust vent and prevents that air from being properly directed outside. This doesn’t just compromise the performance of your dryer; it also poses a serious fire hazard. At least once a year, take the time to thoroughly clean your dryer vent. Make sure to disconnect your dryer first, then use a long lint brush to clean out the duct and the wall vent. You’ll be surprised how much lint you’ll trap in the process — and by how much better your dryer will work afterward!

4) Flush your hot water heater annually. Water heaters are often out of sight, out of mind … at least until they break. Sediment and mineral buildup can do a number on your heater over time, so flushing it out at least once a year is key to keeping yours running properly. Every heater is different, so consult your owner’s manual before you attempt to flush it. Regular maintenance will keep your water heater working long into the future.

As you make that list of resolutions to start the year, don’t forget about your home. These four tasks are simple but effective ways to keep your home safe and your appliances running properly.

And, if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to save time, why not consider giving us a call? We can take care of these maintenance tasks, along with many more. Schedule a walk-through to get started.

For many people, the holidays are all about two things: family and food! But this year, your holiday festivities may look a bit different than usual. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering with close family or having a quiet holiday on your own this year, your home will set the tone for your celebration. Keep it clean and comfortable by following these handy tips:

• Change those HVAC filters. Now more than ever, you’ll want to ensure the air inside your home is as clean as possible. Regularly changing your HVAC filters can prevent the spread of dust and allergens throughout your home – while helping your heating and AC system run more efficiently and cost-effectively. While you’re at it, check the heating now. Once cooler weather hits, you don’t want to spend your holiday season frantically troubleshooting an HVAC issue.
• Clean your stove’s range hood filters. Doing a lot of holiday cooking? Chances are your exhaust fan filters are looking a little worse for wear. To combat grease buildup, slide them out and let them soak in a sink full of hot, soapy water. After a few minutes, give them a gentle scrub with a kitchen sponge or dish brush to remove the greasy residue that’s accumulated over time. Dry them off and slide them back in the hood, and voila – it’s like the mess never happened.
• Make sure your dishwasher is draining and your disposal is functioning properly. Holiday dinners are not the time to discover your dishwasher is leaking or your disposal is backed up. Save yourself the headache and test them both now. For more tips on freshening up your dishwasher, check out our three-step guide.

• Check your washroom plumbing. Entertaining guests this year? Double-check any guest bathrooms that don’t see regular use. Run some water in the shower and the sink, and give the commode a flush to keep the traps full. (When the traps become damaged from lack of use, they can emit sewage odors into your home – and that’s definitely not something you want to experience as you sit down to a holiday meal!)
• Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. Drafty windows and doors can put a dent in your holiday spirit. Check the seals now so you can schedule a repair before any holiday guests arrive.
• Deep-clean your patio furniture. One of the best parts of living in Houston is that even November and December can be outdoor dining season. This year especially, you may be considering moving your holiday meal from the dining room to the patio to allow a little more space between guests. Give your outdoor furniture a good scrub and spray-down to create the perfect setting for an al fresco feast.

This holiday season, we’ll all be spending a little more time at home than usual. If your place needs some extra TLC, we’re here to help. From changing filters to cleaning deck chairs, we can tackle your home’s most pressing maintenance tasks. Get in touch to schedule a walk-through today.

At Goodsmith, we’re lucky enough to get to know our fair share of interesting clients – and Marcia Smart is one of our very favorites. After moving to Houston in 2005, Marcia expanded her cooking classes into a full-time business. Today, she teaches hands-on cooking classes out of her home and on Zoom, develops simple recipes and weekly meal plans, and writes an uber-popular blog, to boot. In other words, she’s busy! So when Marcia needed a little help around the home (especially the kitchen), she gave us a call. We help her keep her kitchen in top shape, so she can put it to good use creating mouthwatering dishes. Read on for some of Marcia’s pro tips on keeping your own kitchen running smoothly.

As a recipe developer and cooking instructor, my kitchen is more than just a room – it’s my favorite place. It’s where I experiment with new twists on old recipes, where I help my students discover the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked dish, and where I prepare my family’s favorite meals before we sit down to dinner every night.

I spend a lot of time in our kitchen – so it needs to be in tip-top shape, from my stove to my countertops and everything in between. I’ve found that routine upkeep makes a big difference in how well my appliances work. Here are a few of my favorite tips for maintaining a kitchen.

Oven
My oven gets a lot of use – so with the holiday season fast approaching, I want to be sure it’s ready to go before turkey time. I recommend an annual deep cleaning to scrub away any baked-on gunk and grime. There are several oven cleaners on the market, but you can also apply an all-natural mixture of baking soda and vinegar to the walls and bottom of your oven. Let it work overnight, then wipe clean in the morning.

I also swear by an annual calibration of my oven. When someone tells me they’ve followed a recipe’s directions, but it just isn’t cooking correctly, the first thing I mention is getting oven temperature calibrated. You’d be surprised what a difference a few degrees can make! You can also purchase an oven thermometer to easily gauge your oven temperature and identify any issues with the calibration.

Stove
Just like an outdoor BBQ, your stove hood’s metal filter should be cleaned periodically. I like to degrease mine twice a year. There are plenty of cleaners you can use to combat the grease buildup on your range hood – but all you really need is some baking soda, water, and elbow grease to scrub the mess away.

For those with gas range stoves, be sure to avoid using too much water or any kind of abrasive materials when cleaning your appliance; both can damage your stove and leave you in worse shape than when you started. And of course, if you ever smell gas, be sure to call someone out to check on your stove right away.

Refrigerator
It may seem like a “set and forget” appliance, but your refrigerator can really benefit from occasional maintenance. I recommend checking the internal temperature every few months to ensure your fridge is keeping your food adequately chilled. (I keep mine set between 37 and 40 degrees.) A full fridge is your friend here, as it takes more energy to cool an empty fridge – so don’t be afraid to stock it up on your next grocery run.

Another way to keep your fridge running efficiently is to keep the coils above the SubZero clean. Once a year, I use my vacuum’s handheld attachment to tackle any dust that has accumulated. It’s an easy task that makes a big difference!

Don’t forget about your freezer, either. Your ice cube tray can get pretty grimy over time. I like to take mine out and wash it every couple months to keep it clean and sanitized.

Finally, if you have an in-unit water dispenser, make sure you’re changing filters according to your appliance’s factory directions for the freshest-tasting H20.

Sink and dishwasher
Beyond checking that your faucets are tight enough to prevent leaking, how else can you keep your sink in top shape? One often-overlooked area is the faucet net or aerator. Simply unscrew this component and give it a gentle scrub to remove any debris or buildup.

Another little-known fact? Your dishwasher has a removable filter that should be cleaned weekly. Slide out the bottom rack from your dishwasher to access it. Lift it out and use a soapy sponge and hot water to remove any food particles that may have gotten stuck. Rinse it clean before reinserting, and voila – you’ll keep spotty dishes and streaky cutlery at bay. Check your manual to get specific instructions for your model.

Countertops
Last but not least, keep an eye on those countertops! The type of countertop you have will determine how to keep it clean. For instance, you should never apply an acidic cleanser like vinegar to a sealed granite or marble surface. Sometimes, all it takes is some leftover boiling water from your tea kettle to get your counters squeaky clean.

Take it from me: From everyday meal prep to holiday feasts, a well-maintained kitchen is the foundation of a delicious meal.

Need a little help around your own kitchen? Give us a call today.

Photography by Karen Sacher

June and July typically mean pools, patios, BBQs, and fireworks – but for those of us in Houston, these hot, humid months also usher in something far more serious: hurricane season. One key lesson we all took away from 2017’s Hurricane Harvey (and before that, Hurricanes Ike and Rita) is the critical importance of being prepared. That means keeping your gas tanks full and stocking up on water, food, and batteries … but it also means ensuring your home is well-positioned for whatever the weather brings over the summer.

Don’t wait to prepare for potential storms. Instead, use this month to get ahead of the game with these five easy hurricane prep tips:

1. Trim your trees regularly. You know that pruning your trees keeps them healthy and strong, but it may also help your home make it through a hurricane in one piece. Trees that have been neglected are more likely to break under pressure from high winds, sending loose limbs and branches crashing to your yard — or worse, on top of your roof or through a window. Don’t risk it. Keeping your tree canopy trimmed regularly might make all the difference in whether your house makes it through a hurricane unscathed.
2. Make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed. It’s not uncommon for the seals around your home’s entrances to wear down. These small gaps can lead to big problems once they deteriorate enough to let moisture through. Don’t wait for a hurricane to put your door and window seals to the test. Use this time to recaulk them before they start to leak.
3. Clean out your gutters and drains. Over time, leaves, branches, and pine needles can all accumulate in your gutters, eventually clogging your drain pipes and restricting the water that moves through them. If these blockages go unchecked, that water could ultimately flow into cracks in your foundation. Break out the leafblower or gutter scoop now, and start clearing away debris before it has a chance to cause any costly damage.
4. Keep your yard clear. We all know what can happen when high winds meet lawn tools, outdoor furniture, or even heavy sticks and branches. As a general rule, keep your yard as clear as possible, and if the weather looks poised to take a turn for the worse, play it safe and move any heavy objects into the garage.
5. When all else fails, have your home ready for evacuation. If your home is prone to flooding, designate a high and dry location that you can use to store valuables. You’ll also want to have plywood or window protection pre-cut and staged so you can protect your windows and doors from high winds. Finally, make sure you know how to cut off the gas or power if you have to evacuate. You never know what might happen when you’re gone. Turning off the power or gas can prevent additional damage if a tree should fall through your roof while you’re away.

There’s no way to prevent bad weather from striking, but you can take steps to hurricane-proof your home — and we can help. Schedule a walkthrough today so you can rest a little easier all summer long.

June 20 marked the first official day of summer, but we Houstonians know it’s been feeling that way for a while now. These hot, humid days call for some serious air conditioning — which means maintaining an AC unit is more important than ever.

Over time, dust naturally accumulates inside the unit’s condenser fins and coils. Without regular cleanings, dirt and mold can build up, leading to blockages and reducing the system’s ability to cool air efficiently.

While there’s no substitute for an annual tune-up from an HVAC technician, a little routine maintenance can go a long way toward keeping that AC running strong.

1. Keep the area around the AC unit clean. The first step to a well-maintained AC? Keeping the surrounding area tidy! Leaves, grass, and sticks can all get stuck inside an outdoor unit, clogging the fins, decreasing efficiency, and raising your electricity bills. To keep an AC working properly, you’ll want to keep the area around it clear.
2. Clean the exterior. From pollen season to fall foliage, Houston conditions can be tough on outdoor units. To keep debris from making its way into the interior of the AC, take time to clear away any debris and lightly hose it down. (But make sure you turn off the power first!)
3. Clear the primary drain line. Next, check the drain pan. A bit of standing water is normal, but an overflow of fluid can indicate a blockage in the drain line, leaving condensation to pool in the pan instead of being flushed out in the drain pump. To clear a completely clogged line, try a blast of compressed air or CO2. Once the line is draining properly again, keep it clear by pouring a pint of bleach down the drain at least twice a year.
4. Change the HVAC filters. Now that you’ve gone to all the work of deep-cleaning the outdoor unit, make sure you’re maintaining it. Regular HVAC filter changes can keep dirt, dust, and allergens from making their way into your home. Depending on the type of unit you have, you may need to change our filters every month — or only every six months. Check your systems manual, or consult with a trusted professional to determine the correct frequency for your unit.

And there you have it: four easy steps to help you keep cool all summer long. Looking for a little extra help keeping that AC unit running like new? Give us a call today to schedule a walkthrough.