Environmentally conscious home owners can create value in their home by installing new green features. 

While it's a tossup whether or not green upgrades will pay for themselves in terms of increased property or resale value, incentives abound for homeowners who branch out and make eco-friendly choices in home improvement, from special bank loans to incentive programs and rebates.

Energy Trust of Oregon, for example, provides cash incentives for green upgrades such as replacing old appliances or windows with better running or insulated versions.