FAQ

City of Austin Ordinance No. 20081106-047

Q: What is the City of Austin energy audit ordinance?

A: This is a point-of-sale ordinance that applies to anyone selling their home. Sellers must have a standardized Austin Energy energy audit performed on their house and disclose the results to prospective buyers.


Q: How can I easily determine whether my home is required to get a mandatory Austin Energy energy audit?

A: Call Austin Energy at 512-974-7827 and follow the prompts to "Energy Disclosure Ordinance and Conservation Audit�.

You can also call us, Austin Auditors, at 512-879-3567 for help and/or more information.


Q: Who is allowed to perform the Austin Energy energy audits?

A: Energy audits must be conducted by a person certified by either RESNET or Building Performance Institute. In addition all auditors must be registered with Austin Energy.


Q:When does the energy audit need to be done?

A: The seller is required to provide a copy of the energy audit to the purchaser or prospective purchaser at closing at the very latest. In addition the person performing the audit must provide a copy of the energy audit to the City of Austin no later than 30 days after the audit is complete.


Q: What are the penalties for not complying with the City of Austin energy audit ordinance?

A: Noncompliance is a Class C misdemeanor and according to Austin Energy, reported violations will be forwarded to the City of Austin Legal Department for review and action.


Q: Are there any exemptions or variances?

A: Yes. The City may grant a variance due to special circumstances. A variance may be granted if it is determined that compliance would cause undue hardship, or if the applicant submits an application for a permit to substantially remodel or demolish the house. In addition, there are some exemptions.


Q: Does a home seller need to disclose an energy audit even though they are in contract before June 1, 2009?

A: The official response from Austin Board of Realtors (ABOR) is the following:

Any properties that close and fund prior to June 1, 2009 will be exempt from the City of Austin Energy Audit. If your closing date is scheduled for the last week of May, ABOR strongly recommends having the audit performed.

For more information on Austin's ECAD ordinance go to the Austin's ECAD page on our website or for more FAQs go to: Austin Energy


Energy Audit

Q: Why would I need an energy audit in Austin, TX?

A: An energy audit can be useful for any of the following reasons:

  • High electric and gas bills
  • Problems staying cool in the hot, hot, hot Austin summer and warm in the winter
  • One room is too hot while another room is too cold
  • Air conditioner or furnace seems to run all the time
  • Indoor air quality issues, including problems with dust, mold, drafts, or asthma
  • Interest in renewable energy sources
  • Curiosity

In addition, testing your home is the first step in reducing the environmental impact of your home's energy expenditure. The average American home has a carbon footprint equal to 2 or 3 cars. Most homeowners can reduce their footprint by 20-50%, and the home performance test is the best way to find out how.


Q: What is involved in a home energy audit?

A: A typical home energy audit should involve a 2-3 hour on-site inspection performed by a certified technician. The inspection includes a number of tests using sophisticated diagnostic testing equipment and a keen eye. To learn more about the specific areas covered in a test, please see our website's Services page.


Q: If problems are found, how do I get them fixed?

A: Austin Auditors will recommend improvements to remedy problems that are found. We have alliances with a number of experienced tradesmen and can help you bring your home up to performance standards. Austin Auditors can assist you in handling every facet of your home efficiency improvements from the energy audit to permitting to actual construction.


Q: What can I do to prepare for a home energy audit?

A: Before the energy auditor visits your house, make a list of any existing problems such as condensation and uncomfortable or drafty rooms. Have copies or a summary of the home's yearly energy bills available for the auditor's review (your utility can get these for you). The auditor will use this information in his final report and it will help him or her establish what to look for during the audit.