Great Resources Available for Smart, Efficient Home Improvement

As we move into home improvement season, homeowners are looking for ways of making the smartest possible investments in their homes. Last year was big, and this year will be similar thanks to the rotten real estate market, which has made selling homes practically unthinkable for most middle class homeowners (although the latest numbers show that Detroit was the only home market in the country which didn't experience a decline over last month, and it's welcome news). The alternative to selling, and the option of which most have been availing themselves, is to improve what one has already got. But where to start?

Well, in the interest of improving the country's overall energy efficiency, the US Department of Energy has made some pretty cool resources available. For Earth Day http://energy.gov posted a cool interactive app that helps homeowners to see the variety of ways in which they can make their homes more energy efficient: http://www.energy.gov/earthday/ -- check it out. Even more can be found at http://www.energysavers.gov/, which covers everything from remodel design to energy-saving landscaping ideas (as well as standard fare heat, water, windows, insulation, etc.).

It's also worth noting here that you don't need Matthew Lesko to find information about government programs that can help homeowners with guaranteed subsidized loans and grants; just visit: http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/ see whether Uncle Sam might be willing to throw a couple dockets your way as a way of supporting good decision making regarding your energy budget.

Do you know of other great, free green-home resources? Let me know--post a comment.