New City of Austin Energy Audits

The City of Austin has a new requirement that an energy audit be done to any home before it can be sold. These audits look at the energy efficiency and energy loss of a home. Items looked at are insulation, AC systems, air penetrations and windows among others. So how does it affect a purchase?

The audits are performed by third party inspectors and the reports must be disclosed with the seller's disclosure before a closing can occur. The form looks like this. For a list of qualified inspectors click here. While the audits need to be disclosed to a buyer, there is no requirement that any of the suggested items be done. Much like a Home Inspection that reviews the whole house, the inspector points out everything and the buyer and seller then agree on what if anything will be done.

There are some properties that are exempt from an audit including those built less than 10 years ago and condominiums.

If you plan on getting some of the items on the report done, Austin Energy does offer rebates. For a complete list go to their webpage.

And for more info try http://www.austinenergy.com/About%20Us/Environmental%20Initiatives/ordinance/index.htm.