Home Energy Audits

Home Energy Audits

All ECAD residential and multifamily energy disclosures must be performed by qualified ECAD Energy Professionals. Qualified ECAD Energy Professionals are certified Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Raters or Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professionals.

What the Energy Professional Does

For residential homes, an ECAD audit takes about one hour per 1,000 sq ft of property. The ECAD Energy Professional:

• Inspects and measures the attic insulation in multiple areas

• Pressure tests the duct system and assesses its condition and adequacy

• Examines heating and cooling equipment

• Inspects weather stripping around exterior doors, plumbing penetrations beneath sinks, and air tightness of attic entries

• Identifies and measures the amount of glass in windows that receive more than one hour of direct sunlight each day

Energy Audit Costs

The average estimated cost of an audit is from $200 to $300 for a typical single-family home 1,800 sq ft or smaller with one air-conditioning system. However, I think I've seen costs be as low as about $150. ECAD energy professionals set their own prices.

For a list of approved Austin energy audit companies, please contact me at paul@juarezrealtygroup.com. 

Energy Audit Results

After the audit is complete, the auditor will provide the energy audit results to you. The report includes:

• Condition and estimated R-value of the attic insulation

• Percentage of air leakage from the duct system and the system’s general condition

• Age, efficiency, and overall condition of the heating and cooling equipment

• Air leakage around exterior doors, plumbing penetrations beneath sinks, and attic entries

• Total square feet of glass and location of windows receiving more than one hour of direct sunlight each day

• Opportunities for improving the energy efficiency of the home

Within 30 days, the ECAD Energy Professional will send the audit results to Austin Energy. Austin Energy runs spot checks of ECAD audits to ensure program quality and compliance.

Did you know ECAD audits are required when selling certain homes in Austin and have some exceptions? It's one of the things I go over with sellers. 

DIY Home Energy Audit

Try these tips to evaluate your home’s energy use. 

• Many utility companies also offer free or inexpensive professional assessments.

• Curious how you compare to your neighbors? Check your utility bill online for a “Similar Homes” tab.

• Inspect:

  • 12 months of utility bills — trends and usage

  • Insulation, ductwork, and ventilation — tears or other damage

  • Windows and doors — condensation, leaks, mold and drafts

  • HVAC systems — evaluate overall performance

  • Plumbing and electrical — faucets, pipes, outlets and wiring to detect wear and tear

Easy Fixes

Switch to LED lights inside

• Use solar lights outside (avoid stairs/walkways)

• Install ceiling fans

• Upgrade to efficient showerheads and faucets

• Use energy-efficient appliances

• Reduce “always-on” appliances. Try unplugging them or putting them on outlet timers.

Oh, by the way, if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and contact information and I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.