Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure!

5/18/200910:04:54 AM Link |  | Add comment

Real Estate

Mayor Will Wynn and the Austin City Council created the ECAD ordinance or Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance to "improve the energy efficiency of Austin homes and buildings that receive electricity from Austin Energy". Additionally, it states that "the ordinance helps meet one of the goals of the Austin Climate Protection Plan - offsetting 700 megawatts of peak energy demand by 2020 and to reduce Austin's carbon footprint".

This goes into affect on 1 June 2009. As a Realtor, if you have a listing - active or pending - and that home is serviced by Austin Energy, you will need an audit from an approved Auditor.

As a homeowner contemplating listing your home - how do you know if your home fits the audit criteria? There is an Exemption List on Austin Energy's web site that states exactly who needs one.

How much will an energy audit cost you if you meet the requirements? I called a few auditors off Austin Energy's list and the range is between $200 - $300. Specifications includes square footage as well as number of AC units. The auditor will perform a Duct Blast Test which detects duct leakage. There are other steps involved, but the auditor will give you an estimate prior to arriving on your front door.

How can you be proactive? Examine your attic and look at the duct work. If you see any tears, then fix or replace them. Insulation needs to be uniform as well, so think about topping yours up if it looks uneven and burrowed or add new R-38. Solar screens are a huge way to be more energy efficient and it's fairly easy to do your own screens and make them solar. You can purchase the solar screen material at Home Depot or Lowe's as well as the tool used to stretch the fabric. I did it... and if I can do it, you can too!

Above all, don't be nervous or scared about these audits. The information and report must be disclosed, but fixing them is not a mandatory task. However, when it comes time to negotiate a contract, the information on the audit could be brought into play! Be prepared!

I want to thank Scott Young with Accountable Energy and James Davis with Energy Audit Masters for taking time out of their schedules to answer all my questions.   To find a Certified Auditor for your inspection, see the list provided by Austin Energy.