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A Closer Look at the 2013 Ford C-MAX

An all new crossover SUV or multi-purpose vehicle enters the Ford line up this year. The C-MAX, a model that has been sold in Europe for several years, will be sold in the United States and Canada beginning this fall. Based on the platform underpinning the all-new Ford Escape, the Ford C-MAX will be offered as a hybrid only, sold as a conventional and plug-in hybrid editions.

Price Check

The standard C-MAX Hybrid will retail from $25,995, about $1,300 less than the competing Toyota Prius V. Its estimated fuel economy is 47 mpg, beating out the Prius V by 3 mpg. Expect Ford and Toyota to battle heavily for customers in this hybrid niche.

Ford powers the C-MAX with a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that runs on the efficient Atkinson cycle and pairs it with a continuously variable transmission. This model also features a lithium-ion battery that is smaller and lighter than the previous generation nickel-metal-hydride batteries used in previous Ford hybrid models. The C-MAX makes use of regenerative braking to harness electricity and store it for later use.

Ford is building the C-MAX at its Wayne Michigan Assembly Plant. Another model, the C-MAX Energi, will also be released, the latter a plug-in variety that will yield even greater fuel efficiency.

Economy Aids

The C-MAX allows drivers to benefit from SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a feature that offers real-time information that allows drivers to enjoy improved fuel efficiency. SmartGauge “teaches” drivers how to best maximize fuel economy, by displaying what driver actions help fuel economy and which ones hurt it.

The five-passenger C-MAX is equipped with seven airbags including a driver’s knee air bag. This vehicle features an advanced roll stability control system and offers SYNC with MyFord Touch, a voice-activated telematics system that controls the cell phone, navigation, climate and entertainment functions.

Advanced Technologies

Advanced technologies can be found in many of today’s Ford vehicles and the C-MAX is no exception. This model features active park assist, an available option that uses sonic radar to help drivers find a suitable parking space and automatically steer the car into its place. Curve control ensures that the C-MAX always stays planted on the road and electronic power-assisted steering improves handling.

One feature that is sure to please people with full hands is this model’s hands-free liftgate. The way that this works is that as long as the driver has her proximity key on her person or in the purse that she is carrying, the rear liftgate will automatically open when a simple kicking motion is performed under the rear bumper. Just kick and the trunk or liftgate automatically opens.

C-MAX Dimensions

The front-wheel-drive C-MAX seats five passengers and sits on a 104.3-inch wheelbase. This vehicle is 173.6 inches long, 72.0 inches wide and 63.9 inches tall. Weighing from 3,682 pounds, the C-MAX offers 99.7 cubic feet of total passenger volume, 24.5 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seat and 52.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The Increasing Demand For Energy Efficiency In Our Homes

The average new home being built is up to four times more energy efficient than traditional second-hand houses.

New homes are built to incorporate all the latest energy-saving devices and the best insulation. This is great because it means new homes have much lower running costs in comparison to their older counterparts. New-builds offer a more substantial eco-friendly way of living. Older homes can be converted to accommodate the best heating systems or energy-saving technologies out there, but this this could prove very costly. New property developers are able to implement the latest techniques to install in new builds.

There are many ways in which we can save energy and money within our homes. One of the advantages of buying a new build is that you can be guaranteed that certain energy requirements have been met.

The Government requires by law that carbon emissions are cut and one of the ways this can be done is by ensuring that new houses are built to be significantly more energy efficient. Building regulations state that every home which is sold must have an energy performance certificate. This provides the home owner with information regarding how efficient the property is and its potential to be improved. This affects us because the more energy efficient a house is, the lower the running costs will be.

Clearly a lot has changed over the years and without doubt we can expect further changes in terms of how energy efficient our homes can be. As the general public becomes more educated about environmental issues, we can expect an increase in demand for more energy-efficient housing. In fact the trend is already on the rise and builders are responding with technology to meet whatever levels of energy efficiency new buyers might demand.

With the expected growth in innovative, environmentally-friendly technological advancements, we can expect our homes in the future to be much better. With new-build properties you can be sure that the best efforts are being made. Developers are aware buyers can now check energy performance certificates prior to buying new homes, and what they find can affect their decision.
Considerations are heating and hot water, lighting and products within the home such as kitchen appliances. Other aspects are flooring, walls, windows and roofs.

These are exciting times and our homes will be set up to utilise clean energy, save water and ultimately save us financially.

Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike And Muscle Building

Recumbent exercise bike is exercise equipment that puts the person using it in a little reclined position while exercising. It puts a lesser amount of stress on the knees and back compared to other normal bicycles. Its reclined position and movements are more comfortable for its users than any other exercise equipment. Recumbent exercise bike regular sessions help in working all the buttock and thigh muscles.

For fitness recumbent exercise bike is a great alternative. It can give you a fit body with toned thigh and buttock muscles at the same time. Each and every part of your body gets benefited by the recumbent exercise bikes. Because of the wide and cushioned seats, it can be used by everybody regardless of his/her weight. This fitness equipment is perfect for long workout sessions. It is ideal for the heavy weight person who has just begun his/her workout regime.

Sometimes one gets his/her legs or back injured in an accident and cannot do any kind of physical activity for some time. The doctors recommend recumbent bike exercise for such people as this does not put pressure on knees and lower back while exercising. Many recumbent exercise bikes can be adjusted to the users required height and comfort so that the user can stretch his/her knees almost fully.

Sportsman and athletes can also use the recumbent exercise bike as it is useful for increasing their stamina, energy level and efficiency. The bike racers can be most benefited from this exercise as they can adjust and increase the bikes resistance to increase the difficulty level. Biking requires a lot of stamina and competence. Therefore it is perfect for the sports people to include this particular exercise in their regular workout schedule.

The recumbent exercise bike is so easy to use that even small children can use it without any kind of difficulty. Therefore the personal trainers usually suggest a recumbent bike workout for beginners. This not only helps in losing weight but also burns more calories compared to any other exercise equipment.

This exercise can never be dull and monotonous. You can change the difficulty level that is resistance of the bike from easy to hilly resistance. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a recumbent exercise bike for you, then going for a bike with maximum possible variations is a good idea. This way it will be useful for you for longer period of time. There are different advantages for men and women of recumbent exercise bike. The bucket like seats allows men to use this bike comfortably as compared to other regular exercise bikes. Men can adjust the bike to get lower abdominal exercise. This is very helpful in getting six pack abs.

The shape of the lower body parts is a cause of concern for women. Recumbent exercise bike is the perfect solution for this problem. This exercise can easily burn fat around waist and thighs. Women can get lean lower body shape using this exercise.

Eat well, exercise regularly, and get a healthy body.

How You Can Spend Less Electricity

Every single time you’re keeping electricity, you might be keeping money. What is more, you support lessen demand for non-renewable fuels for example coal, oil and natural gas. Simply by lowering the burning of non-renewable fuels, we are decreasing the emission of co2, that is the major cause of climate change and air pollution. Today, people have total power and selection to alter how they take advantage of energy by way of numerous distinct energy saving actions. By exercising just a couple ways to saving and preserving energy, you are lowering the yearly man emissions by a lot of money plus your electricity bills by hundreds of dollars each and every thirty day period! Can you envision that? Being able to conserve big-time must not be a bad idea.

It is possible to start by not utilizing your automobile as typically as you sense the need to. It is neither impossible nor hard; it is exactly that people are so used to it that with out it everyday living will become hard and annoying. But there are truly different less complicated techniques like utilizing public transport automobiles, bicycling, or walking, in the end everybody knows it is a good workout. Turn out the lighting in the day and allow day light to give light to your workplace or room. Make an effort to look around and see if you’ll find abandoned lighting and other non-active kitchen appliances or equipments. You are able to preserve loads of energy just by unplugging a couple of things. Switch low your home or office fridge. These kinds of units account to approximately 20% of the whole home electricity usage. Try a thermometer to set the fridge temperature about thirty-five degrees as well as the freezer about three degrees as possible. Make sure you’ve initialized the energy saving switch. Also check the seals around the doors and ensure they are adequately sealed and clean. Pick only energy efficiency labels / templates for the brand new products or if you exchange old devices. Usually look the Energy Star labels. This is the assurance that the main product will be able to save energy and prevent air pollution. Invest in products of similar size to your wants, not necessarily the largest one you’ll be able to get. Don’t thoroughly fill the washer, simply because this usually cuts the utilization of warm water at approximately 60-70 % unlike common units. Exchanging a vintage refrigerator with the latest model, the one having a label with higher efficiency, will definitely preserve you money significantly. Acquire light bulbs. These compact types help save energy extremely satisfactorily. These are good methods to help save energy at home, particularly within the long term. Purchase lightweight fluorescent bulbs as they are quite energy efficient.

Despite the fact that they are originally much more costly, you can basically conserve money in the long-run with merely a quarter of energy from a standard energy light bulb, that could be about 9-12 times longer. And also they provide an equal amount of light. The great thing is that it is just about ten percent of energy created by a typical light bulb. If every family exchanged one typical light bulb with energy efficient fluorescent bulb, you could put away roughly 260 CO2 each year.

Most Popular Fixes To Increase Home Comfort And Energy Efficiency

Keeping your home comfort levels high while maintaining an efficient home does not have to be difficult. In fact, there are several small things you can do around your home with very little money that will increase your comfort levels while decreasing your bills.

Insulate Electrical Outlets and Switches

A lot of energy is lost through drafty switches and sockets. You can purchase small kits at any big box retailer or home improvement store that will allow you to insulate all of your switches and outlets. Depending on the size of your home, you can typically do this for under $50.

Update Old Windows

Old windows can wreak havoc on your heating and cooling system. You may have to spend some money to replace the windows, but in most cases if you choose energy efficient windows you will make that money back in utility savings in just a few years. If you do not have the money to replace all the windows, do what you can and work on insulating the rest. Even just replacing the caulk around the windows can dramatically improve a drafty room. In the winter you can find plastic kits that will seal the windows, helping to improve the efficiency.

Check the Doors

Doors are another big source of heat loss during the winter. Cool air from indoors can also seep out during the summer months. You do not have to replace your doors to help fix this problem. If the doors are in good condition, consider using an expanding foam to reduce gaps around the door frame.

Sealing Vents

Laundry vents, outdoor faucets, and other types of hook ups can create energy loss. Walk around the outside perimeter of your home and inspect for these areas that could be insulated. Insulating and sealing these items can create a much more efficient home.

Attic Insulation

A good layer of insulation in your attic will prevent heat from escaping through the ceiling and roof of your home. You can do this on your own with just a small investment in the insulation. You can also hire a professional to blow in the insulation if you do not want to deal with this on your own.

Simple Additions

Another way to increase your homes comfort and lower bills is by adding small details such as insulated curtains. These will help prevent air from escaping and can be purchased for around $30 a set. If you have hardwood floors, adding a throw rug to rooms that are heavily populated will actually help maintain the temperature.
Professional Inspections

At least once a year you should have your heating and cooling system inspected. This will alert you of any potential problems, and can help you maintain your homes comfort while keeping your utility bills in check. If you have a service contract with a company this is typically covered. If not, it does not cost a lot of money to have an inspection done annually.