There are many different ways to make a home more eco-friendly. Aside from participating in regional recycling programs and turning off the lights when a room is not in use, the homeowner can take it a few steps further.

A residential remodeling project is one way to upgrade the home and make it more environmentally friendly. Changing the type and amount of fuel consumption used will be easier to implement during a custom home remodeling project than changing one or two appliances at a time. While these changes can impact the utility bills and lower expenses when done piecemeal, several changes at once will cost less. Homeowners should ask their residential remodeling contractor for any suggestions while the project is in the design phase. Green construction materials are well-known in the industry, and a qualified designer can help implement them into a custom remodeling plan.

Another option for finding environmentally-friendly upgrades is to look into the Energy Star program. Energy Star is the federal program that rewards consumers for purchasing energy efficient products. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has coordinated with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate a specific list of guidelines that products must meet to be deemed Energy Star products. These products are special because they help the consumer save money and reduce their environmental impact. Federal and state tax breaks are available on certain eligible products Although some of the Energy Star federal tax credit products are no longer eligible for a tax break, the products are still available and some new ones have been named to the program. Each state has its own tax incentive guidelines that coordinates with the federal program.

In many states, taxpayers can get a break on certain appliances and home systems, such as on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, heat pumps and air conditioners. Electric, oil and gas water heaters and oil and gas furnaces are also eligible. While many of the original tax credits ended in 2010, new ones have been implemented. In Virginia, for example, taxpayers can claim a 20 percent sales tax exemption on eligible Energy Star products. They can claim up to $500 per tax year under the state code.

Items such as energy efficient vinyl replacement windows, solar panels, wind turbines, tankless water heaters and water-conservative shower heads and toilets will also give the home a more modern look and greener appeal when it comes time to put it on the real estate market.