Earth Day is on April 22. Are you ready? Earth Day is all about increasing awareness, and doing things that will make a positive impact on the environment. Several green home improvement projects can do just that now, and for years to come as well. Below are a few examples of how our favorite products double as green home improvements for Earth Day:

Change your HVAC system’s filter

Homeowners often forget this important task. Clean air filters make your HVAC system more efficient, reduce your energy bills, and help to extend the life of your system. Not only should you change the filter on Earth Day, you should plan on changing it at least every three months. This is one of the easiest and cheapest green DIY projects you can do.

Install Energy Efficient Exterior Doors

Therma-Tru doors feature triple pane insulation and solid foam cores, resulting in dramatic energy efficiency improvements. With less heat or cool air escaping your home, your HVAC system won’t have to run as long or as often and your energy bills will go down. Therma-Tru is an Energy Star Partner.

Install HardiePlank Siding

HardiePlank siding is manufactured using environmentally friendly practices such as its Zero to Landfill program and locally sourced raw materials. In addition, HardiePlank siding reduces the need to repaint the siding every few years, resulting in an extended paint cycle and less paint used over the lifetime of your home. Plus, with its 30-year warranty, HardiePlank siding is built to last. It resists flames, moisture, and pests.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Did you know that by upgrading single paned windows to Energy Star windows you can save up about $266 per year? That’s according to Energy Star, and the annual savings add up. How is this a green improvement? Again, it comes down to reducing your energy consumption. You can get even greater energy efficiency gains by choosing insulated windows, which typically include low E/argon gas in between the panes.

Install an EnergyWise Radiant Shield

How does saving 25 percent off of your energy bills each month sound? Sounds like a great way to celebrate Earth Day! Installing an EnergyWise Radiant Shield works in winter and summer, reflecting heat back into your home in the winter and deflecting it out of the home in the summer. As a result, you’ll waste less energy heating and cooling your home.

Any of these green home improvement projects would be kind to the environment — and kind to your monthly household budget thanks to lower energy bills.