If you are a realtor in the Austin area or are planning to sell a home in Austin, you’ve likely heard of the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance, which requires homes in the City of Austin to undergo an ECAD audit before sale. The ordinance applies to most types of homes in Austin; however, there are some exceptions.
Are you wondering if you need to schedule an ECAD audit for your home? Here is a brief look at which homes fall under the ECAD ordinance — and why it may be a good idea to schedule an ECAD audit even when it’s not required.
When an ECAD Audit Is Required
The ECAD audit requirement specifically applies to Austin homes that meet three conditions:
Within the Austin Energy service area
Within the Austin City limits
10 years or older
If your home does not meet one or more of these conditions, you do not need to obtain an audit before selling. Another thing to remember is that while the ECAD ordinance does require homeowners to schedule an audit before sale, it does not require homeowners to make any improvements to their home before selling. The ultimate purpose of the ordinance is to make information about home efficiency readily available to prospective home buyers.
Other Reasons to Schedule an Audit
Even if ECAD does not require you to obtain an audit for your home, there are a number of reasons you may still choose to schedule one. An energy audit gives you valuable information about your home’s overall efficiency and helps you get to the bottom of issues like drafts, fluctuating temperatures, and high energy bills.
You’ll have an energy professional conduct a thorough search for deficiencies such as poor duct design, inefficient HVAC equipment, or gaps in insulation. After the audit, you’ll receive personalized recommendations on how to most effectively improve your home. When you complete the recommended home upgrades, you can expect major benefits such as:
Consistent indoor temperatures
Greater efficiency of HVAC systems
Lower energy bills
Reduced carbon footprint
Healthier indoor air quality
Green Collar Operations: Austin’s ECAD Experts
As a certified ECAD Energy Professional, we conduct professional energy audits on homes in Austin and beyond. Whether you are planning to sell your home or simply want to find ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption, we can conduct a comprehensive audit while delivering a rapid turnaround.