The Home Upgrades stream provides personalized energy and water-saving upgrades installed by a professional to reduce gas, electricity, and water use. Income-qualified Calgarians can receive high-efficiency furnaces, hot water tanks, toilets, insulation upgrades, draft proofing and more — at no cost.
Calgary homes are eligible for the program if they are:
built before 1998;
detached or semi-detached homes, duplexes, rowhouses, or townhomes; and
installed on a permanent foundation.
The Home Upgrades stream is open to both homeowners and renters. Eligibility is based on the number of people living in the home and the total household income (including income from anyone 18 or older who lives in the home).
You will receive step two of the application form requesting more details about you, your home and your utility bills. You will be asked to:
Once your eligibility is confirmed, a Participant Agreement will be sent to you. Once it is signed, we can book your first home assessment!
If you are a renter, your landlord must sign this agreement and agree to the Terms and Conditions before the upgrades can begin.
You will need to submit:
You should submit any of the following documents to confirm your income meets the eligibility criteria:
After your documentation is approved, we will book your first home assessment, which helps us determine what upgrades your home needs. Based on the assessment, we’ll develop a scope of work outlining the upgrades. Once the scope of work is approved, we’ll book your upgrade installation. After your upgrades are complete, we’ll conduct a post-upgrades home assessment to measure how much more efficient your home has become!
For a detailed overview of what to expect, please review the Home Upgrades Journey: What happens once I'm approved?
Yes, renters can apply as long as they meet the eligibility criteria above. As part of the process, both renters and landlords must review and consent to the Terms and Conditions and the landlords must sign the Participant Agreement.
If you're a landlord interested in participating, your renter will need to submit the application.
For more information on renters and landlords, review the Guide for Renters & Landlords.
Upgrades are recommended by a licensed professional based on what your home needs most and what will make the biggest difference to your energy and water bills — but it’s always your choice. You can choose to opt out of any upgrades.
We also encourage you to speak with our assessors and let them know about your experiences, concerns, and anything that’s been challenging in your home. Your input helps us select the most suitable upgrades for you and your home.
No. We have licensed professionals that support the program and install all the upgrades. These services are free and included in the program, which will save you time and energy! All you need to do is ensure someone is home to let them in and that the space is clear of items so our professional contractors have room to install the upgrades.
An EnerGuide assessment helps us understand how your home currently uses energy. We use it to identify upgrades that will reduce your home’s gas, electricity, and water use. A registered energy advisor will assess your home from the basement to the attic and provide you with an EnerGuide label and report that will help us make decisions about possible upgrades. Think of the EnerGuide label like a nutrition label on food, but for your home. It is just like the EnerGuide labels that you see on new appliances, but for your whole home. Learn more about EnerGuide assessments and labels here.
The initial assessment takes about two-three hours and the final assessment after your upgrades have been installed takes about one-two hours.
Yes! The Home Upgrades stream is fully funded by The City of Calgary and all upgrades are completely free of charge.
Email The City of Calgary or call 311. You can also find information about the Calgary Home Upgrades Program at Calgary.ca/ClimateEquity.
Protect yourself from scams. This program will never do door-to-door sales. Only authorized Home Upgrades Program team members and contractors can deliver this program and we will never show up unannounced.
Your monthly utility bills are a helpful way to see how much energy and water you’re using at home. Even if the amount you owe changes month to month, you can still track your actual consumption and see how small changes make a difference over time. Want to learn how to read your energy bills more confidently? Sign up for a free workshop to learn easy ways to save gas, electricity, and water, hosted by Empower Me on behalf of The City of Calgary. Register now.
Renters have legal protections under provincial laws. If you are looking for more information for about the rights and responsibilities that apply to renters and landlords, you can review the Residential Tenancies Act. If you are experiencing issues with your landlord, you can reach out to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).
Learn how to reduce gas, electricity, and water use at home while improving home comfort and safety with Empower Me.
This free do-it-yourself RetroKit, packed with items that are easy to install, is delivered right to your door. Improve your home with LED light bulbs, leak detection tablets, a smart power bar and more!
When Kari's furnace failed during a cold snap, she called the Home Upgrades Program and received the support she needed.
"It’s been a highlight of my year"
A long-time Calgary resident speaks to media about the Home Upgrades Program
Receive updates from The City on the Home Upgrades Program. You’ll learn about new and upcoming climate equity programs and information on how to reduce your gas, electricity, and water use while adapting to a changing climate.
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