Many of today’s home buyers aren’t just looking for open floor plans and curb appeal. They also want a home that’s energy efficient and environmentally friendly. But how much ROI do green home improvements really bring to sellers?

It’s true — making green home improvements and widespread energy-conservation to your home can earn you a premium price when you’re planning to sell. And while most home buyers are looking to save money, a study funded by the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment found that homebuyers were willing to spend $10,343 to $53,000 more for green homes, or an average premium of 3.46%.

Nevertheless, it’s not easy to go green. With a wide range of options available on the market, it can be a bit overwhelming to pick the best materials for green home improvements and renovations.

Here are five tips for green home improvements to help you get started.

When Considering Green Home Improvements, Start Small

You don’t have to install state-of-the-art solar equipment to reduce your carbon footprint. Doing simple things like changing to energy-efficient light bulbs or caulking your windows can net big energy savings. Other small changes that can make a huge impact include adding a programmable thermostat (by automatically monitoring your home’s temperature, you can significantly cut energy consumption in heating or cooling season) and turning off lights when they’re not in use.

Identify Authentic Green Products

Not all homebuilding products labeled green are genuinely green. So, make sure you carefully check the materials of the so-called “green materials” being used to remodel or renovate your house. Also make sure the formulations do not contain allergens, carcinogens, neurotoxins, or endocrine disruptors.

Upgrade to Eco-Friendly Windows

For the windows, use materials coming from sustainable sources if you want to remodel your house into a green home. For instance, you can use cellular PVC as an energy-efficient material for constructing your windows. Alternately, you can use double or triple-pane glass that insulates your home better but it can be more expensive. Sustainable wooden-frames are also a good pick for the windows.

Pick Locally Sourced Materials

Instead of getting green materials shipped from a different country, it’s always cheaper to locally source green materials. Moreover, local suppliers may be more trustworthy and approachable. They have more knowledge about the local climate, other green homes being constructed in the area, etc.

Use Paints That Have Low PVC

Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs are chemical compounds that easily evaporate into the air in your room at standard room temperature. They’re typically found in paints. Paints that come with low VOC contain water instead of the highly volatile chemicals. Using low VOC paints minimizes harmful emissions inside your house.

Go Solar

Going solar is the most trending green remodeling technique these days. You can use the power of the sun to harness energy at low-cost. You can install solar panels at the roof of your house or on sides that receive maximum sunlight, and use solar energy to warm your house during cold winter months.