A new report asserts that electrifying a share of U.S. factories that rely on low- and medium-temperature heat could slash carbon pollution by a gigaton. 

Canary Media summarized the findings that were recently released by The 2035 Initiative at the University of California, Santa Barbara, explaining that many of these factories rely on dirty energy sources to power gas-fired boilers and that they could be replaced with electric options such as high-temperature heat pumps.

The researchers simulated what it would look like if around 800 large industrial plants within three sectors — food and beverage, chemicals, and pulp and paper manufacturing — were electrified, finding that the most ambitious plan of electrification could cut 1.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050. The plan would also offer $475 billion in public health benefits by improving air quality, according to the team.

"This is something that we can do, and it's super important," Leah Stokes, an associate professor of environmental politics and one of the report's principal researchers, told Canary Media. "... We can make progress today with the technologies we have."

Meanwhile, homeowners who electrify their abodes are not just assisting the environment but also saving money on utility bills and protecting themselves against rising energy costs. For instance, upgrading your home's heating and cooling system to an energy-efficient heat pump can save you hundreds of dollars each year, according to the Department of Energy. 

TCD's HVAC Explorer is a great resource that can help you sift through options and save up 50% on your energy bills with a new, efficient HVAC system.

"Heat pumps are helpful year-round, because they provide cooling in the summer as well as heating in winter," the DOE says.

Smart upgrades that slash monthly energy bills

If you're looking to decrease the amount of planet-heating pollution coming out of your home and want to save some cash but don't know where to start, here are some excellent resources that can help you find the best options for your situation and budget. 

• Mitsubishi can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with trusted installers
• Not ready to spend up front? Palmetto's $0 down HVAC leasing program can lower your energy costs by up to 50%
• TCD's HVAC Explorer makes it easy to access exclusive offers from preferred partners

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Palmetto's HVAC leases start at just $99 per month and come with 12 years of free maintenance. Plus, the free Palmetto Home app can help you unlock up to $5,000 in rewards to spend on home upgrades. All you have to do is complete in-home challenges such as cutting your energy use.

If you're looking to maximize savings, try pairing your brand-new efficient HVAC system with solar panels. TCD's Solar Explorer can help you find the best solar option for your home and budget, with savings of up to $10,000 on an installation. 

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