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Energy Efficient Upgrades
Buildings, including our homes and businesses, account for over 40% of Coquitlam’s community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
For homeowners, energy efficiency upgrades are a great way to decrease energy usage, and can make homes more comfortable. You can also save money over time.
Examples of energy efficiency upgrades include:
- Switching from natural gas, propane, or oil heating systems (e.g. furnaces or boilers) to electricity (e.g. heat pumps)
- Upgrading your windows and doors
- Adding or improving insulation
- Upgrading refrigerators, washers, and dryers to ENERGY STAR® rated appliances
- Replacing lights with LEDs
- Installing “smart” or programmable thermostats
Considering a Heat Pump?
Heat Pumps are the most energy efficient, climate-friendly heating systems available in B.C. When you replace your furnace with a heat pump, you get the added bonus of cooling - central AC for those warm nights without purchasing or maintaining a separate system. Visit Clean BC's websitefor details about heat pumps.
Canada Greener Homes Grant Update - February 2024
Effective February 2024, the Canada Greener Homes Grant is no longer accepting applications. Owners who have already completed their online registration and have an application number are encouraged to proceed in a timely manner with their retrofits and will continue to be eligible for funding and support through the Canada Greener Homes portal - please visit the Canada Greener Homes Program website for details.
For the most up to date information, visit CleanBC’s website.
Strata Energy Advisor Program
Strata Councils, or building and property managers, may be interested in the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre’s Strata Energy Advisor program. The program supports strata-owned, multi-unit residential buildings (condos) across British Columbia to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency through energy upgrades timed with necessary replacement projects.
If your building is planning a retrofit and you're considering—or simply curious about—switching from natural gas, adding cooling, or improving overall building performance, this program could be a great fit for you.
An expert advisor will guide your strata in planning major upgrades, enhancing comfort, finding financial incentives, and cutting carbon pollution.
Did we mention it’s free? Please visit their website for all the details.
Rebates and Grants
There are a variety of resources, rebates, and incentives available to help lower the costs of your next home energy efficiency project.
Municipal Top-up Offers
The Coquitlam municipal top-up offers are fully subscribed.
The City is working with the province’s CleanBC Better Homes program to offer Coquitlam residents living in eligible homes top-up rebates for making energy efficient upgrades. These top-up rebates are in addition to CleanBC rebates and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding. Please refer to the CleanBC Better Homes webpages linked below for eligibility and application details.
Electric Heat Pump Top-Up - $350
- For eligible participants that switch from a fossil fuel space heating system (oil, natural gas or propane) to an electric heat pump, including central, mini-splits, multi-splits, air-to-water, and combination space and water systems.
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Top-Up - $350
- For eligible participants that switch from a fossil fuel water heating system (oil, natural gas or propane) to an electric heat pump water heater.
Electrical Service Upgrade - $500
- For eligible participants that upgrade their electrical service to 100, 200 or 400 amp service and switch from a fossil fuel (oil, natural gas or propane) space or water heating system to an electric air-source heat pump or heat pump water heater.
Click through the tabs below to learn more about heat pumps and the rebate programs offered by the provincial and federal governments. Note: Rebates and incentives are subject to availability and can change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Please confirm availability and/or eligibility with the appropriate rebate providers.
This provincial program is BC’s online hub for information, incentives and support to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in homes. Use the CleanBC Rebate Search Tool to find available rebates, including eligibility requirements, deadlines, and the application process.
Some homeowners may be eligible for enhanced rebates from CleanBC Better Homes, based on household income. Please visit the CleanBC Income Qualified Program for eligibility requirements.
Effective February 2024, the Canada Greener Homes Grant is no longer accepting applications. Owners who have already completed their online registration and have an application number are encouraged to proceed in a timely manner with their retrofits and will continue to be eligible for funding and support through the Canada Greener Homes portal - please visit the Canada Greener Homes Program website for details.
EnerGuide evaluations are required to access any federal grants.
The federal government also offers interest-free financing to help homeowners complete major upgrades recommended from your EnerGuide evaluation. Please visit the Canada Greener Homes Loan website for details and eligibility requirements.
The CleanBC energy coach service is a provincially-funded program that provides free, unbiased coaching to help guide homeowners through the various rebates and offers from CleanBC Better Homes. Energy coaches are energy efficiency specialists, providing building-science based information about the options to improve the energy efficiency of your home. They are available to answer your questions at all stages of the energy improvement project.
For more information, visit CleanBC Better Homes and complete their online submission form, or contact an Energy Coach at 1-844-881-9790.
An EnerGuide home evaluation is a federally-funded program that provides a comprehensive paid service to help improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Conducted by a professional energy advisor, you get a custom report and EnerGuide rating which provides an assessment of the home’s energy use, and customized recommendations to improve energy efficiency. Learn more about EnerGuide evaluations from CleanBC’s list of FAQs. Use the Program Qualified Energy Advisor Search Tool to find an energy advisor who services your area.
Support for your Energy Efficiency Upgrade Project
Follow CleanBC’s Better Homes Step-by-Step Rebate Guide to learn about:
- Upgrades that make your home more comfortable and energy efficient
- Eligible rebates
- Program requirements
- Selecting a contractor
- Applying for rebates
Location of Exterior Mechanical Equipment
All mechanical equipment creates noise, and while manufacturers strive to improve efficiency and reduce noise levels, from time to time this equipment may be disruptive in residential areas. Therefore, it is important that exterior mechanical equipment is located in areas that have minimal impact on the quality of life of all residents. Please review this important bylaw information about the siting of exterior mechanical equipment and vent terminations in order to minimize the disruptive impacts.
Other Ways to Save Energy
Upgrades to your home are not the only way to reduce your home’s energy use. Here are some examples that can save you money on your next energy bill:
- Lowering the temperature on thermostats
- Turning off appliances and unplug electronic devices when not in use
- Turning off lights when you leave the room
- Hanging clothes to dry
For income-qualified households, BC Hydro offers free energy saving kits, which includes a water-efficient showerhead, faucet aerators, weather stripping and other energy saving products.
Visit the links below from BC Hydro for more information on how to reduce energy use in your home:
New Homes
Building your next home? The City of Coquitlam requires Energy Step Code compliance for new building permit applications. Learn more about the City of Coquitlam’s Energy Step Code compliance requirements, and stay up to date on future energy efficiency requirements.