Environmentally friendly home updates are more than just a fad; they’re also a great way to increase your home’s efficiency, value, and savings. Eco-friendly remodeling doesn’t need to be anything major or expensive. In reality, sometimes less is more when it comes to your small home remodel. The least amount of resources used and money spent could be the most efficient and green update for your home. If you’re looking for a great way to raise your property value, improve the efficiency of your home, and reduce your carbon footprint, consider these eco-friendly home updates.

1. Smart Technology

Smart technology is the latest and greatest in home efficiency and environmental improvement. Using this technology, you can save on heating and cooling costs, electricity, water, and more. When you install smart technology, you can control all of these elements and more from a tablet or smartphone. When no one is home, the lights don’t need to be on or the heat running, and with smart technology, you can take care of that by setting a timer or simply turning off those features from afar.

2. Roller Shutters

The right window treatments can help keep the extreme temperatures outside where they belong, and roller shutters are some of the best options. These shutters are installed either on the inside or outside of your home’s windows, and it keeps the air from escaping. Overall, “it saves up to 30 percent on power bills,” according to Modern Group, Australian home improvement experts.

3. Window Replacements

Sometimes it’s not enough to provide a heavy duty window treatment; sometimes the problem is simply old and decrepit windows that need a new window installation. According to House Logic, replacing your windows can save you nearly $500 per year in energy costs and add more than $8,000 to your home value. This makes the average investment of $8,000 worth it.

4. Different Light Bulbs

Making the move to a more energy efficient home could be as simple as changing your light bulbs. An infographic published by Huffington Post estimates that you can “save 66 percent more energy by replacing an incandescent light bulb with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFL).” Furthermore, replacing just one incandescent light bulb with one CFL can prevent 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is extremely popular right now, which is lucky for you because it’s also very environmentally friendly. It won’t be considered economical to replace your perfectly good hardwood floors with bamboo flooring, but if you’re already in need of an upgrade, the efficient, green use of bamboo is the perfect way to go.

6. Efficient Roof

Did you know that your roof can actually absorb heat, contributing to an increased air conditioning bill? Invest in a cooler roof that reflects the sun instead of absorbing it. If you live in a sunny place, it may even be in your best interest to install solar roofing, which will significantly reduce your power bill, and maybe even get you some tax breaks with the new GOP’s tax plan along the way.

7. Forgo Granite

When it’s time to update your countertop, granite is not always the best way to go. Explore your countertop options, looking for recycled paper or hemp countertops instead. They may not be quite as durable or easy to maintain as granite, but they will certainly be worth the savings and environmentally friendly aspects. Sometimes making eco-friendly updates means exploring all of your options and opting for the things that are least expensive and detrimental. You might also consider using marble countertops.