Read About the Audit

If you have a home within Austin city limits and are trying to or thinking about selling your home, you need to find out how the Energy Conservation Audit can affect you.

Who is affected (you must meet all 3 criteria)?

Homes that are 10+ years old

Homes within Austin city limits

Homes that receive electricity through Austin Energy

Are there any exceptions?

You may be exempt if your home was a participant in the Austin Energy Residential Energy Efficiency program within the last 10 years.  Check with the City of Austin at 512-974-7827.

What are your choices?

The City of Austin has declared the Energy Conservation Audit mandatory UNLESS you complete specific voluntary upgrades through the Austin Energy Residential Energy Efficiency program. A homeowner can choose from a list of approved companies who can consult with them to determine what upgrades would be necessary to complete. The primary upgrades are additional attic insulation, solar screens, and sealing the duct work in the home.

How much does the energy audit cost and what do they do?

The energy Audit typically costs $200-300 for a home with one HVAC unit and prices go up from there depending on the size of the home and number of HVAC units. The energy audit evaluates the home’s windows, attic insulation, HVAC system, and duct work. The report is about 9 pages and points out areas that are inefficient and gives suggestions on how to make the home more efficient. It will be mandatory to supply a buyer with this report if you are selling your home.

What is the benefit to participating in the Austin Energy Residential Energy Efficiency program?

Austin Energy and Texas Gas Service offer incentives to participants to offset costs of these upgrades. Homeowners can also receive a tax credit for these upgrades if it is their primary residence. When you sell your home, you will not have to complete the mandatory energy audit which will save you the cost of the audit and report. The remaining costs vary but in some cases they can be very near the same cost of completing the mandatory energy audit. In addition to all of the immediate cost benefits, you can reap the benefits of living in a home with lower bills and a more comfortable and efficient home.

When will this apply to me?

The ordinance will take affect any home that sells after June 1, 2009.

Why did the City of Austin create this ordinance?

The City of Austin created this ordinance in order to bring our older more inefficient homes up to par with newer construction homes. This will benefit all Austin Energy users as it will lower the impact that we have on our power plants. If we can reduce the dependency on our power plants then we can stop or slow the need to build more which also helps keep our energy bills more affordable.

How do I learn more?

Contact your team of Real Estate agents, the Dave Murray Team, with your questions!