Austin Auditors ECAD Services
The Seller’s Required Energy Audit (ECAD)
The ECAD ordinance requires that before the sale of a single family property, homeowners must disclose a home energy audit to their potential buyer if all certain conditions apply.
ECAD for Multifamily Properties
Austin’s ECAD Ordinance requires the owner or manager of a property comprised of 5 or more residential dwellings to have an energy audit on file and made available to your residents by June 1st of the calendar year your property turns 10 years old.
The Seller’s Required Energy Audit (ECAD)
Selling your home or condo in Austin? You may be required to have an energy assessment conducted at your home before you do. It’s all part of the City of Austin’s plan to make our city one of the nation’s leaders in energy efficiency. At Austin Auditors we understand that you already have your hands full when selling your home.
With our quick and easy scheduling, same day turnaround at no extra charge, and some of the most affordable rates around, we can take the hassle out of the ECAD and help homeowners and agents to achieve compliance with the City’s ECAD ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my home require an ECAD audit?
The ECAD ordinance requires that before the sale of a single family property, homeowners must disclose a home energy audit to their potential buyer if all three of the conditions below apply:
- The home is within the Austin Energy service area
- The property lies within the Austin city limits
- The home is 10 years old or older
The ECAD defines single family building as any property with 4 or fewer dwellings. Condominiums were amended to the Ordinance in 2011 and also require an ECAD if the above conditions apply.
What should I expect with the ECAD?
Once you schedule your audit, we will email you a confirmation of your audit time and date.
At the scheduled time and date, our auditor will arrive at your home and conduct the assessment. This usually takes 30 minutes for a 2000 sq ft home with one A/C unit. Our auditor will inspect and make recommendations on the following:
- Windows and window shade
- Air infiltration near plumbing areas, exterior door weather stripping, and attic access
- Attic insulation levels
- Efficiency of the heating and cooling systems in your home
- Measure duct leakage levels
After the assessment you can expect to receive your emailed report by the next morning. This report also gets filed with the City for compliance purposes.
Are there ways I can prepare my home for the audit?
Before our auditor comes by, you can take a few steps to ensure that they will be able to conduct the assessment properly and completely.
- Make sure our auditor has access to the property. We can access by realtor lock box or schedule a time to meet you there.
- Ensure that attic entries and utility closets are free from blockages.
- Make sure the power is on in order for our technician to be able to run the full range of testing (if the home does not have power, we can still conduct the audit, but the duct leakage test will not be completed).
How do I know if my home is exempt?
Call or email us and we will assist you in determining if there are any ECAD exemptions.
Are there discounts for realtors?
We value our ongoing relationships with real estate agents and brokers. As a token of appreciation, we offer special Realtor Appreciation Discounts discounts for those agents and their clients.
Contact us regarding our special discounts for agents who continually use or refer us.
For more information, please email us or give us a call at 512-879-3567.
Schedule an ECAD
ECAD for Multifamily Properties
Are you the owner or manager of a property comprised of 5 or more residential dwellings?
If so, Austin’s ECAD Ordinance requires you to have an energy audit on file and made available to your residents by June 1st of the calendar year your property turns 10 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Multifamily Property Require an ECAD?
If your property meets all three of the requirements below, then it is subject to the ECAD Ordinance.
- The property has turned 10 years old
- The property gets its energy from Austin Energy
- The property is within the Austin city limits
- ECADS must be completed every 10 years
Why Choose Austin Auditors?
At Austin Auditors we understand the delicate balance between owners, managers, and their tenants. We work closely with management to ensure that the interests of tenants and owners are carefully considered in providing the best service. With quick and dedicated service while testing your property, we can get in, get out, and have the compliance report back to you in short order.
We can also work with owners to provide win-win solutions on extensive rebates for improving their properties.
Are there any rebates available?
Austin Energy offers very substantial and beneficial rebates for multifamily properties based on the results of the ECAD audit.
Click here for more information on Austin Energy rebates for multifamily properties.
For minimal costs, or in many cases, no costs, the following benefits are created:
- Owners Improve Their Building & Asset Value
- Reduce Operating Costs
- Competitive Advantages
- Improved Marketing & Leasing to Tenants
- Tenants get improved comfort air quality & lower bills (thus reducing manager complaints)
What does the audit consist of?
Our certified auditors visit your property and conduct an assessment of the following areas:
- A duct leakage test to measure leakage levels
- Attic insulation levels
- Solar shading inspection
- HVAC inspection