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 Texas Lightsmith: FAQ's

  General  
 
Can I change the size, proportion, material and finish of a given product?
Where can I get information on pricing?
Do you offer wholesale prices?
How quickly can I get something?
Will I receive shop drawings?
Can I get shop drawings before I place an order?


 
  Vent Hoods  
 

What is CFM?
What type of liner do you use?
What type of filter do you use?
What type of lighting do you use in you vent hoods?
How should I clean the surface of my vent hood?
How should I clean my filter?

How high should I mount my vent hood above my range?


 
  Lighting  
 
What does listing mean?
Is ADA compliance available with your fixtures?

 
  Sinks  
 
What is a living finish?
How should I clean my sink?

 
     
  Can I change the size, proportion, material and finish of a given product?  
 
Yes. Customization of size, proportion, material and finish are all possible.  We commonly work in brass, bronze, copper, nickel silver, pewter, steel and forged steel. There are two categories of finishes: Standard, and kitchen and bath finishes.  Standard finishes apply to lighting while the kitchen and bath finishes apply to vent hoods and sinks.  In some cases, it is possible to do a crossover.  However, these are addressed on a case-by-case basis.
 
     
     
 
Where can I get information on pricing?
 
 
Please contact us for information and pricing on your specific project.  Quotes are given on an order-to-order basis and are valid for 30 days.  Generally quote requests are taken via email or over the phone, and finished quotes are sent via email.  Please let us know if you would like to receive your quote through an alternative mode.
 
     
     
 
Do you offer wholesale prices?
 
 
No.  However, we will work exclusively with trade professionals on individual projects and provide price exclusivity when requested.  We have standard pricing on all items and offer discounted prices for lighting purchased in quantities of five or more. 
 
     
     
 
How quickly can I get something?
 
 
As we are a custom company, each piece is made-to-order, therefore, we do not keep a standing inventory.  Please contact us for our current lead time.
 
     
     
 
Will I receive shop drawings? 
 
 
We create shop drawings for nearly all orders. Typically you will receive drawings within several weeks of the estimated completion date. These drawings are based on information included in the Order Detail Sheet and are specific to each order.   Drawings are done in house by our engineer using the latest in 3-D computer modeling programs to provide a set of drawings that provide more information than those made using traditional CAD programs.
 
     
     
  Can I get shop drawings before I place an order?  
 
We do not typically provide drawings prior to the placement of an order (i.e. receipt of deposit).  Whether or not we are available to do shop drawings in advance depends on our engineer’s current workload.  If we can turn around drawings in a timely manner, purchasing shop drawings is a possibility.  The cost of shop drawings is based on an hourly rate of $60 per hour with a $60 minimum. 
 
     
     
  What is CFM?  
 

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is a unit used in measuring airflow.  In a vent hood, CFM is the amount of air drawn into the fan in one minute, in an open environment.

CFM is listed at 0.00 SP*.  CFM is reduced by bends, size decreases and length of run in ductwork.  Additionally, the size of the hood in comparison to the size of the cook top, as well as the height above the cook top, will affect functionality.  We recommend the width be no less than the width of the cook top and the height of the hood to be 30”-36” above cook top for best results.  Please consult with your HVAC subcontractor to ensure that the installed duct will not seriously diminish the effectiveness of your hood.   

We ensure that each hood is fully functional before it leaves our shop.  However, Texas Lightsmith does not guaranty that any given hood will work as effectively once it is installed due to possible conditions beyond our control.  We are happy to take calls regarding these issues and speak directly with those involved in that part of the project.

*S.P. stands for static pressure, the pressure existing in a line without any flow. 
 
     
     
  What type of liner do you use?  
 
Our liners are individually designed and fabricated in-house to ensure both quality and fit.  Each liner is specially made to complement the design of the vent hood giving the finished piece a consistent, yet unique look.  Upon request we can incorporate mass-produced liners, provided or specified by the client, into a custom hood in lieu of the Texas Lightsmith liner.  The same applies to fans.
 
     
 
 
  What type of filter do you use?  
 

Sturdy filters are essential to the overall functionality of your vent hood.  In designing and fabricating our baffle filters in-house, we are able to ensure quality in both form and function. 

Fabricated in the same material and finish as your vent hood body and liner, our filters fit snugly into the liner and work to trap grease while enhancing the overall beauty of your vent hood.

 
     
 
 
  What type of lighting do you use in your vent hoods?  
 

We manufacture our own exclusive, dimmable, recessed halogen lights for our vent hood liners.  Each light uses a state of the art 120V halogen MR-16 lamp. For better looks and less maintenance, our lights are covered with a borosilicate lens and bezel ring matching the hood in material and finish. 

The arrangement of the lighting depends on a combination of your personal preference and available size.  For hoods 36” or less, we recommend at least two lights.  More can typically be added upon request.  Further, the lights are often fitted into the liner at an angle to illuminate the cooking space as evenly as possible. 
 
     
 
 
 
How should I clean the surface of my vent hood?
 
 
Most stainless steel appliance and countertop sprays found at Home Depot, Lowes and many grocery stores are a good choice for cleaning your vent hood.  They leave a nice luster in addition to cleaning the surface and leaving an additional layer of protection.  While standard cleaners such as 409 and Fantastic are fine, they tend to leave a slightly dull finish. 
                                  
When cleaning or wiping down your vent hood, use only a soft cloth.  Even paper towels, over time, will wear through the sealant.  Always avoid the use of abrasives and strong cleaners.  
 
     
     
 
How should I clean my filter?
 
 

Our premier baffle filters are designed to last the lifetime of your vent hood providing an eco-friendly solution to disposable filters.

To clean your filter, simply remove the filter from the liner of your vent hood by unscrewing the sides to separate the filter into two halves for access to the baffle interior and grease trap.  Wash with a soft sponge, soap and hot water as needed.  Avoid scrubbing or using abrasives on the outside of the bottom baffles, as this will remove the finish.
 
     
     
 
How high should I mount my vent hood above my range?
 
 
The bottom edge of your vent hood should be approximately 30"-36" from the top of your range. 
 
     
     
 
What does listing mean?
 
 
Listing refers to the Underwriters' Laboratories (U.L.) classification. The type of listing is based on the amount of moisture your fixture will be exposed to.  Depending on the location of your fixture, it can be listed as dry, damp or wet. 
 
     
     
 
Is ADA compliance available with your fixtures?
 
 

ADA compliance is available for a large number of our fixtures. Generally, this information is provided in the spec sheet for each individual fixture.

The architectural barriers section of the ADA requires that wall mounted light fixtures below 80” above finished floor when installed come no more than 4” from the wall. Most of our lighting can be redesigned to accommodate this criterion.  Feel  free to contact us if you have questions regarding a specific fixture or custom project.

 
     
     
 
What is a living finish?
 
 
A living finish is often a much sought after look when buying a copper, bronze or nickel silver sink.  Without an added protective coating, copper, bronze and brass are allowed to age gracefully in their natural state in what is referred to as a living finish. Over time, the finish will oxidize with use adding even more character and uniqueness to your custom piece. 
 
     
     
 
How should I clean my sink?
 
 

Caring for and maintaining your custom sink is surprisingly easy and is no more complicated than caring for a standard stainless steel sink. Wiping your sink down with soap and water at the end of each day is adequate.  Never use abrasives or harsh cleaners.  Avoid using detergents such as ammonia or bleach as chemicals that are significantly acidic or basic will react with the copper.  Similarly, avoid leaving citrus products in direct contact with the sink for extended periods of time.

All of our sinks have a living finish, meaning the color and tone of the bowl will change over time adding to the uniqueness.  To mitigate the natural changes, one can apply peanut oil or beeswax to the sink. Your custom sink is prone to the same type of light scratching as common stainless steel sinks.

 


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Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments. We also have a Contact Us page online!
 
  Address: Texas Lightsmith
9201 Brown Ln, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78754
Phone Numbers: Phone: (512) 264-2266
Fax: (512) 821-2286
Toll Free: 1-877-268-2266
 
 
  Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday - Friday
Closed on Saturday and Sunday.

All times given in Central Standard Time.

 
Office visits are by appointment only. Please call, toll free, (877) 268-2266, to schedule an appointment!
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