If you are building a new home, now is the time to choose the energy-efficient "green" home upgrades that will not only help lower your heating and cooling costs, but will also reduce the size of your family's carbon footprint in the future. The best green home upgrades for 2009 include:

- Energy Star appliances. Energy Star appliances are singled out for their ability to use 10% to 50% less energy than other comparable models on the market and most homeowner's associations don't require that you ask permission to install them (which is a problem that some other types of upgrades present for the homeowner). Although you will pay premium price for these types of appliances, the savings you will reap over time will allow you to recoup much of what you pay upfront. In addition, there are various government incentives in place right now (and through the end of 2010) for families to get on board with certain Energy Star appliances. If you ever go to resell your home, you'll find that these appliance upgrades are very much appreciated by potential buyer, and a great way to build green in your new house plans.

- "Green switches". Some people are converting the wiring in their home to single-control outlets that allow them to flip one simple switch that will automatically turn off all of the electronics in their homes that are running on standby. A green switch in the home can save as much as 10% on the total energy bills for the home, or up to $1,000. That's a significant savings to be reaped.

- Argon-filled windows. Most windows in newer homes are double-paned windows that are vacuum sealed, so there's nothing between the two panes of glass at all. Windows that are filled with argon gas will help to block UV rays from the sun while helping to insulate the interior of the home. Another option is krypton gas filled windows, which are thought to provide the same benefits.

- Tankless hot water heaters. No new home should ever have an old, energy-sucking tank style water heater – that's like putting the engine from a 1985 Buick into your new car. Tankless water heaters are also called on-demand water heaters and heat water to the perfect temperature as it is needed, unlike tank style models that keep gallons of water piping hot 24/7/365 – even if you're away on vacation which is a ridiculous concept. Want to go even greener? Go for a solar powered tankless hot water heater and heat your water with the energy of the sun. As an added bonus, many local utility companies as well as the federal government have great incentive programs that will sometimes subsidize the installation of a tankless water heater in your southern style house plans. Either way, your purchase will pay for itself within five years of installation in energy costs saved.

- Low flow showerheads and toilets. The low flow showerhead and toilet have come a long way in the past five years. The new generation of low flow bathroom necessities can now use just 1.6 gallons of water per flush, while the low flow showerhead can give you excellent water pressure but still use as little as a half gallon per minute. That's a significant savings on your water bill, and a great way to save our planet's dwindling water supply.  However, be sure to find a reputable new home construction contractor to ensure that everything is installed correctly.