Yesterday, April 22, was Earth Day. In commemoration of Earth Day, this blog post shows you how going green with your home can benefit you!

Although remodeling spending was expected to be 9% lower in 2008 compared with 2007, the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies predicted spending on "green" projects--those that increase a home's energy efficiency--would show an increase over the same period.

Investments in spray-foam insulation, a tankless water heater, or a better climate-control system could yield hundreds of dollars in annual energy-cost savings for the homeowner, while also increasing the value of your property.

An American Institute of Architects survey found that 90% of home buyers said they would pay at least $5,000 more to purchase a home that is energy efficient.

Here's another reason to go green: The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 extended credits for specific energy-efficient home improvements installed during 2009 and later. (Improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit.)

Tax credits are available for qualified upgrades of windows and doors, roofing, insulation, central air conditioning, heat pumps, furnaces, water heaters, fans, solar-energy systems, and some other types of improvements.

For a complete listing and explanation of tax credits you may qualify to take for making energy-efficient home improvements go to:

www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits