Do you want to make sure your next home is eco-friendly? Whether you are building or buying, you can take some steps to ensure you have an environmentally friendly dwelling.

1. Make Some Upfront Investments

When you're focusing on all the details of house-hunting — mortgage pre-approval, selling your current home, researching conventional loan rates, etc. — you might not be thinking of how to spend more money. However, it's a good idea to keep an open mind about adding features to your home that can save you money in the long run.

2. Use High-Quality Insulation

Low-quality or inadequate insulation can increase heat exchange through your walls, resulting in higher energy bills. Spending money on insulation can help you avoid wasting heat or air conditioning.

3. Choose Energy-Saving Doors and Windows

Make sure you have windows and doors that are rated to save energy. Single-pane windows, for example, let heat and air conditioning out, wasting energy and money.

4. Check Your Ductwork

Did you know leaky, poorly sealed ducts can allow air to escape? Much like drafty doors or lightly insulated walls, you can lose heat and air conditioning through the ductwork. Save energy by ensuring your ducts are sealed.

5. Install Dual-Flush Toilets

You can reduce your water consumption by installing a toilet with two types of flushes. This toilet style can save you money on your water bills. A low-volume flush is for liquid waste, while a high-volume flush is for solid waste. A dual-flush toilet uses gravity to dispose of waste in a trapway.

6. Consider Lighting

You can reduce your energy consumption by using energy-efficient light bulbs throughout your home. EnergyStar-certified bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional styles.

If you're building or remodeling, think about how you can add natural lighting to your home. Skylights or larger windows can reduce your dependence on electric lighting.

7. Build With Recycled Materials

Did you know you can use recycled building materials throughout your house? Some products to consider are:

• Recycled-bottle carpet

• Roof materials made from recycled rubber

• Composite deck boards composed of wood waste and recycled paper

• Countertops made from managed forests

• Reclaimed building materials such as steel, wood, asphalt shingles and concrete

8. Use Native Plants

A traditional grass lawn can be more energy-consuming than you might think. It requires a lot of upkeep, including mowing, watering, fertilizing and reseeding.

Native plants don't require the amount of upkeep as their non-native counterparts. They have adapted to the climate and can grow beautifully with less maintenance, watering and fertilizing.

9. Install Smart Thermostats

You can save energy by using less heat or air conditioning when no one is home. The problem is, can you remember to adjust your thermostat all the time? A smart thermostat can do the remembering for you. You program it to adjust the temperature at set times.

Smart thermostats can also adjust appliances to run when it is most efficient. Your water heater can turn off when you're not using it, for example. These thermostats can be expensive, so you'll need to determine if they are worth the price for your budget.

10. Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances

Today's appliances are more energy-efficient than older models. Whether you are replacing worn-out ones or furnishing a new home, consider the energy rating of the devices you buy:

• Washers

• Dryers

• Dishwashers

• Water heaters

• Refrigerators

• Heat pumps

• Ceiling fans

Newer models of these household essentials can save you money by running more efficiently.

11. Research Solar Panels

Depending on where you live, solar panels may be able to help you save money and use renewable energy. Your roof's size, age and slope can impact whether solar panels are a good investment for you. The amount of shade on your roof can affect whether they are an option. However, you may benefit from asking your local utility company.

An eco-friendly home is good for everyone — you, the environment and future generations. It's a worthy investment of your money and time.