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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.
Heat Pump Webinar
The cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody joined with the CleanBC Community Energy Coach Program and offered a 1-hour webinar (plus a Q & A period) in June for residents interested in learning about heat pumps.
You can view the June 2023 at this link. Please note that all rebate amounts shown in the webinars are reflective of what was available the date the webinar was recorded. For the most up to date information, visit CleanBC’s websiteand the federal Canada Greener Homes Program website.
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.
CleanBC Better Homes offers a heat pump GPR of up to $500 for homeowners switching from an oil, natural gas, or propane heating system to an eligible air-source heat pump in addition to the available heat pump rebates and electrical service upgrade rebates from CleanBC.
The more people that apply using the same group code, the higher the rebate for each participant – share this code with your friends!
Tri-Cities GPR code: GPR0244-EXP02/01/2024-CBC
Expiry: February 1, 2024
Each group code can be used by a maximum of 30 participants. Once full or expired, a new code will be issued. Check back for new codes.
To take advantage of the GPR:
- Register with the Tri-Cities GPR code at this link once you have installed your eligible heat pump
- Apply to Clean BC Better Homes for all eligible rebates before the code expires. Don't forget to enter your GPR code in the promo code field of the application form. If you have multiple codes, include both separated by a comma in this field
- Spread the word about the Tri-Cities GPR code - the more homes that install a heat pump and apply using the same code, the higher the rebate
- Participants must register with the complete group code (format GPR0218-EXP03/10/2023-CBC), have their heat pump installed, and submit applications for rebates within six months of their final installation invoice date.
If you have questions about the group purchase rebate, call a CleanBC energy coach toll free at 1-844-881-9790 or use their online contact form.
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.
This federal program provides homeowners with up to $5,000 in energy efficiency grants including insulation, air sealing, windows and doors, heating systems, solar systems, and resiliency measures. You can also receive an additional $600 in grants when completing both a pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation. Please visit the Canada Greener Homes website to learn more. 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.