Published documents by Ariel Vanderhorst Subscribe to this feed

Why You Don't Own Retractable Awnings Published on 25/08/2008

I don't want to strain your credulity as I make my case in this article, so let me begin with a quick pop quiz: What exactly are "retractable awnings?" How do they work? What are they good for in the home and business settings, respectively? If you were able to give a thorough answer to even one of those questions, then you're ahead of the curve when it comes to the average consumer. Awnings...

3 Steps to Landscaping with Retractable Awnings Published on 21/08/2008

Home owners these days are embracing a trend to make better use of their outdoor spaces, moving outside and using their back yards for relaxation and entertaining--not just a place to park the grill. If this movement back into the outdoors is something that resonates with you, then you are likely interested in learning how to make your outdoor atmosphere as comfortable and beautiful as...

Are Wood Stoves Good for the Environment? Published on 20/08/2008

That depends on the stove you have in your mind's eye. The old-fashioned, pot-belly stoves that appear in most Western movies didn't do the atmosphere any favors. But today's wood burning stoves, engineered with fuel economy in mind, are a different story. Back in the days of cowboys and general stores, wood stoves could have been mistaken for indoor smokestacks--and that wouldn't have been...

20 Fast Facts About Retractable Awnings Published on 20/08/2008

If you feel excited to read this article, you probably already know at least a little about the advantages of retractable awnings. If this piece looks totally random ("20 Fast Facts About Kibbles Cat Food"), then what you'll read here will probably surprise you. Here is a shotgun approach to the specifications and benefits of modern awnings to catch you up on why they are attracting a growing...

Why Buy a Gas Motor Scooter? Published on 19/08/2008

With thousands of scooters selling weekly, the surging popularity of today's models is hardly a secret. But if you are ready to put down money for a scooter, you'll first need to ask yourself, "Do I look at gas powered or electric models?" We considered the points in favor of electric motor scooters in Part 1 of this series. (If you missed it, check my site.) Now let's glance at the...

3 Ways Wood Stoves Save Money & the Environment Published on 18/08/2008

If you're reading this article, you probably own one or more wood stoves. Or maybe you've started exploring today's stove market, and wonder how easy it is to get a maximum return on your investment in radiant heating. Either way, you're in luck. Here are three suggestions that will help you stretch your heating budget to its limits while benefiting the environment and enjoying your stove in...

Why Buy an Electric Motor Scooter? Published on 14/08/2008

With motor scooters selling like crazy, their popularity is hardly a secret. But if you're thinking seriously about putting money down on a scooter, you need to answer the question, "Do I need a gas powered or electric model?" I've seen websites that argue the merits of one approach or the other, as if one is drastically better--but if you click around, you notice that the type of scooter they...

The Wood Stove Route to Home Improvement Published on 14/08/2008

If you're interested in home improvement, alternative heating methods, or fuel efficiency, you've probably heard about the new performance standards and styles of modern wood stoves. Maybe you've started to take a look at the market. Or perhaps you already own a stove, and you're eyeballing your current or future residence, wondering, "How can I make this place a better fit for a wood stove?"...

How to Put Money Down on a Motor Scooter Published on 12/08/2008

So, you're ready to become a motorized scooter owner? Congrats! My friends who own scooters tend to talk about them like proud parents, so good times are ahead for you. If you're ready to buy, then chances are you can tell the difference between gas powered and electric scooter models. At this point, you've also asked some clarifying questions about terrain, speed, and types of use. Now...

How to Buy Your Wood Stove Published on 12/08/2008

Given all the variety in today's wood burning stove market, when you come to the point of actually buying a stove for your house, the prospect can be intimidating. The good news is that it doesn't need to be. Here are a few tips to make the buying process as simple as possible. First, choose a wood stove that matches your home size. Several factors are involved here. In a nutshell, you...