Sellers
How to Comply with the ECAD Ordinance When You Sell Your Home
The ECAD ordinance applies to homes:
- Within the Austin Energy service area
- Within the Austin city limits
- 10 years old or older
Condominiums with one to four units follow ECAD rules for residential properties. Condominiums with five or more units follow the rules for ECAD multifamily properties.
To determine if your property requires an ECAD home energy audit, check your property's ECAD status.
Option 1: Schedule a Home Energy Audit with a Qualified ECAD Energy Professional
The easiest way to comply with the ECAD ordinance is to complete an energy audit with an ECAD Energy Professional early in the selling process. This provides you with plenty of time to schedule and complete the audit.
Use a certified ECAD Energy Professional to conduct the audit. ECAD home energy audits are comprehensive and require specialized equipment. The Energy Professional provides a copy of the energy audit to Austin Energy as well as an Audit Certificate to attach to the Seller’s Disclosure Notice.
- Energy Professionals set their own rates. The estimated cost of an audit is about $200 to $300 for a typical single-family home 1,800 square feet or smaller with one air conditioning system. Customers may consider getting multiple estimates and checking references.
- Qualified ECAD Energy Professionals are certified Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Raters or Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professionals.
After completing an ECAD home energy audit, you will receive an Audit Certificate to attach to the Seller’s Disclosure Notice. You must provide the energy audit results to prospective buyers:
- At least three days before the end of the option period or time of contract
- If no option period exists, at the time of the contract signing
Residential home energy audits meet the energy audit requirement for a period of 10 years after the audit is initially performed.
Option 2: Participate in a Qualifying Austin Energy Program
You can also ensure compliance with the ECAD ordinance by participating in one of the following:
- Home Energy Savings is a whole-home approach to energy efficiency that offers rebates and low-interest financing to help you make home energy improvements.
- Weatherization Assistance offers free home energy improvements to qualifying customers for a safer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient home.
- Rebates and Incentives provide ECAD compliance for customers who 1) complete three or more qualifying energy efficiency improvements or 2) participate in a program that provides at least $500 in rebates for energy upgrades.
View our ECAD Guide to learn more about ECAD compliance:
Exemptions and Variances
Not all homes require an ECAD home energy audit. Learn more about ECAD exemptions and variances.
For complete program details, visit ECAD for Residential Customers
Benefits of an ECAD Audit
Home Energy Audits Inform Improvement Opportunities
If you move forward with an ECAD home energy audit, ECAD requires that you work with a certified ECAD Energy Professional to conduct the audit prior to sale and that you disclose your home's energy efficiency information as part of the real estate transaction. The home energy audit covers:
- HVAC system efficiency, age, and condition
- Home envelope and duct performance
- Attic insulation
- Windows
- Water efficiency measures
- Solar screens and window shading
- Opportunities for home energy improvements
Contact Us
Please email ECAD or call 512-482-5346 if you have any questions or need additional information about the ECAD ordinance.
Date last reviewed or modified: 12/29/2023