|
The
Austin City Council
approved the
Energy Conservation Audit and
Disclosure Ordinance to
improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings in the
City of Austin that receive electricity from
Austin Energy.
The ordinance became effective June 1,
2009.
As a home Buyer or Seller,
you are affected if the home is over 10 years old (before
newer construction codes began requiring builders to
implement more energy-efficient practices).
The ECAD audit takes about
one hour per thousand square feet of property. The
ECAD auditor makes recommendations based on the results of
the inspection to improve the efficiency of the home.
There is not a requirement that a Seller make any
corrections as a result of the audit - they are only
required to have the audit performed as part of the
disclosure process that that a Buyer can make a more
informed decision regarding the suitability of the home and
potential costs of improving the home's efficiency.
The auditor inspects and measures the attic insulation in
multiple areas; pressure tests the duct system and assesses
its condition and adequacy; examines heating and cooling
equipment; inspects weather stripping around exterior doors,
plumbing penetrations beneath sinks, and air tightness of
attic entries; and identifies and measures the amount of
glass in windows that receive more than one hour of direct
sunlight each day.
Energy Conservation Audit & Disclosure
(ECAD) Frequently Asked Questions
ECAD Audit Self-Check
Austin Energy Certified ECAD Auditors
List
Sample ECAD Audit Form
|
An Equal Housing Opportunity Company