FAQs

ECAD for Residential Homes

Requirements

  • Why the Energy Conservation and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance?
  • What is a residential building?
  • Do I need an ECAD audit if I get my electricity from Austin Energy but live outside the city limits?
  • Is my condominium affected by the ordinance?
  • How old must my home be to require an ECAD audit if I sell it?

ECAD Audits

  • Who performs the ECAD audit?
  • What must I provide to a potential home buyer to show that I had an ECAD audit?
  • When do I need to have the energy audit done?
  • Do I need an energy audit if I am selling a property with multiple units and state law doesn’t require an option period?
  • Can I use a multifamily energy audit done for my condominium owners association when I sell my condo unit?
  • I had an energy audit performed by a third party to close out my City building permit when I installed my new central HVAC system. When I sell my home, can I use this energy code performance report as the ECAD audit?
  • What if I sell the house without an audit?
  • How many homes does the ECAD ordinance affect?
  • How long does an ECAD home audit generally take?
  • What home components does an ECAD auditor evaluate?
  • What information is included in the ECAD home audit report?
  • What does the ECAD audit report look like?
  • How much does an ECAD home audit cost?
  • What is the difference between the required ECAD audit and the assessment a Home Energy Savings contractor performs to create a job scope for a whole-home rebate project?
  • What is Austin Energy’s role with the ECAD audits and the ECAD ordinance?
  • Where are the results of the ECAD audits stored?

Exemptions

  • What energy-efficiency improvements qualify the home for an exemption from the ECAD ordinance?
  • Does the ECAD ordinance require that I provide a potential home buyer with monthly electricity bills?
  • My home had an energy “audit” and I made energy-efficiency improvements within 10 years after the audit. How can I get these improvements on record with the City of Austin?
  • Is my home exempt from the ECAD ordinance if I implemented energy-efficiency measures without participating in an Austin Energy residential energy-efficiency program?
  • What can I provide a potential home buyer to show that I completed energy efficiency improvements?

Variances

  • How do I apply for a variance to the ECAD ordinance?
  • If the home buyer plans to substantially remodel the home, does it need an ECAD audit before the sale?
  • If a house is scheduled for demolition by a new owner, does it need an ECAD audit before the sale?
  • Is my condo unit exempt from the ECAD audit if the condominium owners association participated in the Austin Energy multifamily program’s duct sealing or HVAC upgrades throughout the entire property?

Energy Efficiency Improvements

  • What energy-efficiency improvements might be needed under the ECAD ordinance?
  • Does Austin Energy offer any rebates or assistance for making energy efficiency improvements?
  • How do I apply for rebates or loans?
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Contact Us

Please call 512-482-5346 or email us if you have any questions or need additional information about the ECAD ordinance.

Date last reviewed or modified: 01/01/2024