ROSELIND HEJL'S AUSTIN REAL ESTATE GUIDE
| Austin Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance - Read ordinance | ||
| Austin Energy Auditors - Registered by Austin Energy to perform energy audits | ||
Home Performance Contractors - Registered by Austin Energy to do energy related repairs |
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| Home Performance with Energy Star Certificate - Program for completing energy related repairs | ||
Austin Energy Rebates - Rebates through Austin Energy |
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| Texas Gas Rebates - Rebates through Texas Gas Service | ||
| Kathleen's Story - A client's energy upgrade story |
Austin Energy Audit: How to Comply |
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Audit Plan Homes in the city of Austin must be audited for energy efficiency prior to being sold. Under the law you do not have to do the repairs noted in the audit. You just have to provide a copy of the audit to the buyer. The cost of the audit will vary. Quotes are about $300 for 2,000 sf, with cost/size increments. The audit report must be attached to your Seller's Disclosure when your home is offered for sale. The audit report is good for ten years. If your house needs major work, you may apply for an exception from the audit requirment. Read the ordinance for various exceptions to the audit requirment. The Energy Audit will cover these four items: ---Pressure test on the AC ducts to check for leaks. ---R value of the insulation in the attic. ---Weather-stripping on doors. ---Shade screens or window film on the south, east and west side. The Austin Energy Website has a list of Energy Auditors - city registered contractors who do energy audits. The Austin Energy Website has a list of Home Performance contractors - city registered contractors who do energy related repairs. When the work is complete, an inspector from Austin Energy will inspect the work and clear any building permits that were obtained. Paperwork for rebates will be submitted to the city by the contractor. About 20% of the cost of some upgrades can be rebated. Texas Gas Service offers some additional rebates. You may be entitled to some federal tax credits. Save your receipts and check with your accountant on this. Energy Star Plan Homes that have participated in the Home Performance with Energy Star Certificate program within the last ten years are exempt from the audit requirement. This program is an alternate way to comply with the energy ordinance. Low interest loans are available for participants in this program. To participate, call a Home Performance contractor for an energy analysis. Some home performance contractors offer a free analysis in conjunction with a bid for the work. An inspector from Austin Energy will review the analysis and the bids for proposed work. The inspection will cover these areas: ---Central air conditioning and heating or heat pump ---Air Duct sealing or replacement ---R value of the insulation in the attic. ---Shade screens or window film on the south, east and west side To receive an Energy Star Certificate of Completion you must be in compliance with at least three of the above items; (or) you must receive a rebate of at least $500 from Austin Energy. When the work is complete, an inspector from Austin Energy will inspect the work and clear any permits. Rebates will be submitted by the contractor. A copy of your certificate of completion should be attached to your seller’s disclosure. The certificate is good for ten years. Summary The Audit Plan allows you to simply disclose the results of an audit. Or, you may choose to correct some, or all, of the repairs. The Energy Star Plan is an established program that predates the Energy Audit requirement. You may get a free energy analysis by a participating contractor who will also bid for the repairs. To get a certificate of completion you have to comply with at least three of the listed items. |
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