Austin ECAD Energy Audit

Required for Austin homes 10+ years old • BPI Certified Energy Auditors • Same-Day Reports

What is an Austin ECAD Energy Audit?

An Austin ECAD energy audit is a mandatory assessment required by the City of Austin for home sales. The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance requires homes that are 10+ years old, located within Austin city limits, and served by Austin Energy to complete this energy efficiency evaluation before closing. As certified Austin energy auditors with 14+ years of experience, Green Leaf Energy simplifies the ECAD process with same-day reporting and complete City filing services.

Why Choose Green Leaf Energy for Your Austin ECAD Audit?

**Certified Austin Energy Auditors:** Our BPI-certified team has completed over 15,000 energy audits in the Austin area using professional thermal imaging cameras, blower door tests, and advanced diagnostic equipment.

**Same-Day ECAD Reports:** Unlike other Austin energy audit companies, we deliver your complete ECAD report on the same day as your assessment, ensuring you meet all real estate transaction deadlines.

**Complete Austin ECAD Compliance:** We handle all City of Austin paperwork and filing requirements, making your ECAD audit completely stress-free from booking to final submission.

Austin's Trusted ECAD Energy Audit Specialists

**Austin Energy Audit Experience Since 2009**

Green Leaf Energy has been serving Austin homeowners and realtors with professional energy audit services for over 14 years. We’ve completed more than 15,000 ECAD audits throughout the Austin metro area, including Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, and West Lake Hills.

**Official Austin Energy Contractor**

As a registered contractor with Austin Energy’s Home Performance Program, we maintain current certifications with the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and stay updated on all Austin ECAD requirements and ordinance changes.

**Real Estate Industry Partnership**

Austin realtors trust Green Leaf Energy for reliable ECAD services that keep transactions on schedule. Our same-day reporting and online booking system make us the preferred choice for time-sensitive real estate closings in the Austin market.

Austin ECAD Requirements and Timeline

**Important Deadline:** ECAD results must be disclosed to potential buyers within 3 days before the end of the option period. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your Austin energy audit!

**ECAD Validity:** Your Austin ECAD audit is valid for 10 years from completion, so you may not need a new assessment if one was recently completed.

**Non-Compliance Penalties:** Failing to complete required ECAD requirements in Austin can result in Class C misdemeanor charges with fines ranging from $500 to $2,000.

Let's go over...

Variances

There are a few, so pay close attention to the details. Click each section to learn more. Or simply get in contact with us and we will do everything for you. 🙂

Buyer Plans to Demolish Home

The Seller and Buyer must complete a City of Austin ECAD Variance Application for Demolition with the City of Austin Planning and Development Review Department in which the buyer agrees to file an application for demolition of the home no later than six months after the sale.

If the Buyer fails to file a permit application for demolition of the home within the allotted time, the Buyer must file an ECAD energy audit within 30 days after receiving written notification from the City.

Download the Application for a Residence Demolition variance (pdf)

Buyer Plans to Substantially Remodel Home

The Seller and Buyer must complete a City of Austin ECAD Variance Application for Substantial Remodel with the City of Austin Planning and Development Review Department’s Development Assistance Center. The buyer agrees to file an application for building permit no later than six months after the sale.

A substantial remodel typically means the home has an approved building permit with final inspections for electrical, plumbing, mechanical and energy permits.

When a home meets this requirement, the property is not required to have an ECAD energy audit for 10 years from the year the work passed the final building inspection.

If the Buyer fails to file a building permit application for the home with the City within the allotted time, the Buyer must file an ECAD energy audit within 30 days after receiving written notification from the City.

Download the Application for a Substantial Remodel variance (pdf)

Buyer Qualifies for and Agrees to Participate in Free Home Energy Improvements

The Buyer must qualify and agree to participate in the Austin Energy Weatherization Assistance, or an equivalent Austin Energy program, no later than six months after the sale.

The Buyer must file an ECAD energy audit within 30 days of notification from the City if the Buyer does not qualify for the program or decides not to participate.

Please note that potential participants could be placed on a wait list due to program limits. The variance will remain valid until the work is complete.

Download the Application to participate in the Free Energy Improvements Program (pdf)

The Buyer Must File an Energy Audit if Plans Change

The Buyer must file an ECAD energy audit within 30 days of notification from the City if:

– The Buyer decides not to demolish, remodel, or make improvements to the home
– The Buyer sells the home before work is complete

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

How much does an ECAD audit cost in Austin?

Green Leaf Energy charges $149 for a complete Austin ECAD energy audit, including same-day reporting and City of Austin filing. This competitive rate includes all required assessments, professional recommendations, and direct submission to Austin Energy’s ECAD database.

How long does an Austin ECAD audit take?

Most Austin ECAD energy audits take approximately 1 hour depending on your home’s size and complexity. Our certified energy auditors work efficiently to minimize disruption while ensuring thorough compliance with all Austin ECAD requirements.

Do I need an ECAD audit to sell my home in Austin?

Yes, Austin ECAD audits are mandatory for homes that are 10+ years old, located within Austin city limits, and served by Austin Energy. The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure ordinance requires sellers to provide ECAD results to buyers before closing.

How long is an Austin ECAD audit valid?

Austin ECAD energy audits remain valid for 10 years from the completion date. You can check if your Austin property already has a current ECAD on file through the City of Austin’s online database before scheduling a new assessment.