Home Depot helps you go green on the cheap

The Home Depot has tips for simple, inexpensive ways to improve energy efficiency or to improve the look or feel in the home. The free weekly clinics offer a range of seasonal topics, from fire safety to tiling floors and walls, said Morgan Shearer, a department supervisor at the Home Depot on the northwestern corner of Cave Creek and Cactus roads.

"For most people, fluorescent light bulbs, painting and insulation are the most feasible projects," Shearer said.

He said the clinics are small, with knowledgeable staff members available to give tours of the store, help find products or provide instruction.

"Our employees are experienced and can teach to a person's skill level," Shearer said. "We tweak the classes to their individual needs."

Tiling is always popular, he said. Customers learn about tools and equipment, how to mix and spread mortar, how to space tiles, apply and clean up grout, and how to seal the grout.

"It's one of the easier improvements to make a whole house look better," Shearer said. "Our goal is to offer clinics on things they can do confidently."