If you’re planning a remodeling project, consider making at least part of it “green.” Not only does a home designed to be eco-friendly help prevent you from contributing to climate change; many of the techniques below could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Walls and Windows: Make sure your walls have the right amount of insulation for your climate; this alone can save you a lot on heating costs. Windows are a big source of lost energy. Replacement windows should be triple paned with argon gas between panes. You need to choose windows that provide the right amount of insulation and allow the right amount of light through for your climate. Improvements to windows and walls are tax deductible in 2010 up to $1,500.

Solar Heat: Solar panels on the roof of your house are one of the most common and economical eco home design choices. The federal government will give you tax breaks for installing solar at your house, and many states and counties have incentives, as well. Even if you don’t get solar for the whole house, you can save money by just installing a solar hot water heater.

Geothermal and Wind: Geothermal heat pumps use the constant temperature of the earth to heat your home. This method is more expensive than solar since it necessitates digging a deep hole on your property, but the savings over time can be significant. Individual wind turbines are another option and are a good choice in rural areas that have a lot of wind. Both methods are subject to federal and local tax breaks.

Evaporative cooling: For homes in dry climates, evaporative cooling – which cools indoor air by blowing it over wet surfaces – is like air conditioning but with much lower energy use. Passive Solar is the process of designing a house to maximize natural light to provide light (thus reducing the need for electric lights) and heat. If your eco home design or remodeling project includes a room that gets a lot of sun, passive solar is a possibility. The sun’s heat comes through windows and is absorbed by a thermal mass, which could be a wall or floor made with materials that absorb heat such. At night, the thermal mass emits its stored heat into the room.

Flooring: You have a lot of ecofriendly design options for your home’s floors. Bamboo is a fast-growing, sustainable grass which is hard enough for floors and cabinets. Cork is another sustainable choice since it’s harvested from the bark of trees, and many homeowners like its springy texture underfoot. In the bathroom, ceramic tile is a good choice because it’s durable and made from plentiful materials.

Indoor Air Quality: Eco home design also compasses air quality. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have been found to trigger asthma and contribute to other health problems. They can be emitted by carpeting, paint, or wood finishing products. Even if you ventilate during and after installation, emissions can linger. Look for products that have low or no VOCs.

Appliances: Today’s eco homes are designed with more energy efficient appliances than ever. When you buy washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances for your home, be sure to get machines that are Energy Star labeled. Learn more at www.EnergyStar.gov.

Ready to “green up” your home? Find an eco home design company near you.