Sure, it’s Tax Day and no one really wants to think about having to do it all over again next year. But with springtime just starting and summer around the bend, there’s lots of ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency — and ways you’ll be able to take a tax credit on your income taxes next year.

The U.S. Environmental Proteciton Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have posted information on their Energy Star website that show how you can claim the Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit for 2009.

The Tax Credit will be available for up to 30% of the cost, up to $1,500 total, in 2009 and 2010 for existing homes.  This covers windows and doors, insulation, roofs, heating/air conditioning, non-solarwater heaters, and biomass (typically wood) stoves placed into service (ie: ready to use) during 2009.

A further Tax Credit for existing and new homes is available for up to 30% with no upper limit through 2016 for geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, small wind energy system (home wind turbines), and fuel cells.

Many, many —and I mean: MANY — window and door and insulation manufacturers are currently offering incentives to consumers interested in improving their energy efficiency.  No matter what your project, it will pay to research and shop around.

Additional tax credit information is available from the DOE and also includes credits for hybrid vehicles and other alternative fuels vehicles.