It’s a green world these days. And with an increasing number of home sellers offering green advantages in their homes, you might want to consider the benefits. Though some green features can conveniently allow you to raise the price of your home, they’ll also make your home stand out from other homes that don’t offer green features.

Here are a dozen ways to make your home greener, from cheapest to priciest. Even if it’s a last-minute change, it might be just what you need to make your home its most valuable.

1. Change the light bulbs in your home’s light fixtures to compact fluorescent bulbs. They last longer and they use less energy than regular bulbs. Home buyers will be pleased to know that their new home is filled with new bulbs that will last a long time!

2. Change the water gadgets in your home to devices that are low flowing and save on energy. Toilets, showerheads, faucet heads, laundry appliances and utility sinks can all be equipped with energy-saving gadgets. Lower water bills aren’t just good for you; they’re attractive to buyers!

3. Fill the areas around leaky or drafty windows. You can do this multiple ways: replace the window frames, add a pane of glass to trap temperatures or fill with insulation. Even adding blinds to all of the windows will help keep interior temperatures stable.

4. Check your entire home for possible insulation needs, whether it is your attic, windows, doors or basement. For more information on energy-efficient insulation, click here

5. Add ceiling fans in order to keep air constantly circulated. Both air and heat need a constant flow, especially if your home features high ceilings. The heat tends to rise, leaving the rooms chilly. If you only add one ceiling fan, place it somewhere in the middle of the home.

6. If you own a dial-type thermostat, replace it with a modern electric one. These allow you to program it to lower or higher temperatures when you aren’t home or while you are sleeping. This way, heat or air is not being wasted during times that you don’t need it!

7. If you’ve been contemplating a repaint job, opt to use non-toxic paints that have low or no VOCs (volatile organic chemicals). These used to be vital to the performance of paint, until recently. New types of paint reduce the toxic emissions that normally pollute the air.

8. For outdoor energy efficiency, add a xeriscaping system or an irrigation system to your yard. This allows future owners to enjoy a landscaped yard by knowing that less work is involved and it’s being done in an efficient way. For more information on xeriscaping, click here.

9. Add new doors to your home. Not only can they spruce up a room, but they can also add energy efficiency. Old doors are oftentimes not properly installed or not properly air-sealed. Add new exterior doors, add storm doors to existing doors or replace weather-stripping on exterior doors.

10. As with doors, old appliances use more energy than newer appliances. When choosing a new refrigerator, opt to purchase a top freezer instead of a side-by-side, and choose a standard size. With dishwashers, look for water-efficient models with multiple wash options. A microwave cooks food faster, therefore uses less energy than an oven.

11. Replace your roof, or paint it white. White roofs reflect the sun and allow less drastic temperatures to enter your home or attic.

12. When using Buy Owner to sell your home, make sure to mention these energy-saving/green elements in your home advertising! Potential home buyers may not be aware of how the new elements in your home save them energy. Inform the sales representatives that come to your house in order to make certain that these features are included in your home’s ad!

For many homeowners, the refrigerator is the first big purchase for their kitchens. It’s one of the most important appliances in a kitchen, and today, this basic necessity is loaded with options.

If it’s come time for you to make this big purchase, make sure you have all the information you need so you can make the best choice for you. Did you know, for example, that a refrigerator can last more than 15 years? It’s true. So the fridge you want now needs to be the fridge that can accommodate your needs then.

Here the important factors to consider when you buy:

1. Kitchen Size: Probably the most helpful determining factor is size, and it narrows down the appliances you should consider. How much space do you have in your kitchen—is there a set cut-out for the fridge or do you have a little flexibility? Think not just about height, width and depth of your fridge; measure its size when opened and picture that in your space. Will you be able to get things out easily?

2. Personal Needs: After you know what you can fit in your kitchen, think about how much space you need for storage. Two people will usually need between 8 and 10 cubic feet of space, and you’d want to add an extra cubic foot for each additional person in the household. When in doubt, buy the bigger size: it’s much easier to have too much space than too little, which will force you to waste time squeezing groceries inside. If it will be hard to fit the right size fridge in your kitchen, you could also consider an extra refrigerator or cooler for the garage or basement.

3. Types of Models: Today’s refrigerators are all about options: side-by-side, top-bottom, different colors, ice/water dispensers. Often, the fridge will have adjustable shelves to accommodate a variety of food sizes. Ultimately, which of these things you should choose is completely dependent on you. Take the time to determine what you want and what works best in your space.

4. Accessories: Just for your reference, here are a list of additional options you could choose for your refrigerator:

a. Spill-proof Shelving: Designed to minimize leakage through the fridge.
b. In-door drink sections: Smaller, mid-level compartments that hold beverages or other items. Big plus: this saves energy by not requiring you to open the whole refrigerator.
c. Storage bins and crispers: With compartmentalized temperature controls, these sections allow you to keep produce fresh.
d. Bottom freezers: Putting the freezer sections into pullout drawers and the bottom allows the refrigerator section to be side-by-side at eye level.
e. Deli/meat keepers, butter keepers: Compartments designed to aid organization.

5. Energy Efficiency: If you’re interested in going green with your appliances, look for a refrigerator with the ENERGY STAR® label. Not only is this a more eco-friendly option, but it also can provide great savings to you, by reducing the cost of operating the machine.