Your ECAD‑Ready Seller Checklist For Austin

Selling in South Austin and want zero surprises at closing? If your home is inside Austin city limits, on Austin Energy service, and 10 years or older, the City’s ECAD rule likely applies. You want a clear plan so you can list with confidence, avoid delays, and use the audit to your advantage. This guide shows you when ECAD applies, what it covers, how to claim exemptions, and the exact steps to get ECAD ready before you hit the market. Let’s dive in.

What ECAD is and when it applies

The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure ordinance requires many Austin home sellers to provide an energy audit or qualifying program documentation as part of the sale. ECAD applies to residential properties with four or fewer units that are within Austin city limits, are served by Austin Energy, and are 10 years old or older by calendar year of construction. See the official overview in ECAD for residential customers from Austin Energy.

You must deliver the audit results or exemption documentation to the buyer no later than three days before the contract’s option period ends. If there is no option period, provide it at contract execution. Audits are valid for 10 years. Review timing details on Austin Energy’s page for sellers.

Does ECAD apply to your South Austin home?

South Austin includes older neighborhoods and also pockets that sit outside city limits or outside Austin Energy service. Do not assume it applies. First, confirm the official year built using the Travis Central Appraisal District property search. Then, check your address in Austin Energy’s ECAD Residential Status Portal to see if an audit or exemption is already on file.

What the ECAD audit covers

An ECAD audit focuses on your home’s energy systems and envelope. A registered auditor typically checks:

• Attic insulation levels and estimated R value
• Duct system condition and total duct leakage using duct testing
• Heating and cooling equipment age, condition, and efficiency
• Weatherstripping and common air leakage points
• Window glass area and solar exposure

Audits are performed by Austin Energy registered professionals who hold RESNET or BPI certifications. You can find the current list of registered ECAD Energy Professionals on Austin Energy’s site. Typical single family audits take about 1 hour per 1,000 square feet and commonly cost in the low to mid hundreds of dollars, depending on home size and systems.

Exemptions and program alternatives

You may be exempt if your property is outside Austin city limits, not served by Austin Energy, or newer than 10 years at the time of sale. Review exemptions on Austin Energy’s exemptions page.

You can also satisfy ECAD for 10 years by completing eligible Austin Energy programs. For example, participation in the Home Energy Savings whole home program or completing qualifying improvements and rebates can provide documentation that replaces the audit at sale. Explore qualifying options in the Home Energy Savings program.

Your ECAD ready seller checklist

Step 1: Verify applicability

• Confirm year built via the Travis Central Appraisal District property search.
• Check your address in the ECAD Residential Status Portal to see prior audits or exemptions.
• If an audit or exemption is already valid, add that documentation to your Seller’s Disclosure packet.

Step 2: Plan your timeline and budget

• Scheduling: allow about 1 to 3 weeks before listing, depending on provider availability.
• On site time: plan roughly 1 hour per 1,000 square feet.
• Typical cost: budget around 100 to 400 dollars, with more for larger homes or multiple HVAC systems.
• Delivery: you must provide results to the buyer at least three days before the option period ends. See Austin Energy’s seller guidance.

Step 3: Gather documents

• Last 12 months of Austin Energy bills and HVAC maintenance or installation records
• Receipts or completion paperwork for Austin Energy rebates or Home Energy Savings participation
• Any prior ECAD reports or energy related permits

Step 4: Hire a registered ECAD pro

• Use Austin Energy’s directory of registered ECAD Energy Professionals.
• Get two to three quotes. Confirm scope, timing, whether duct testing and attic inspection are included, and whether the auditor files results with Austin Energy.

Step 5: Prepare for audit day

• Make the attic, HVAC equipment, electrical panel, and windows accessible.
• Follow the auditor’s instructions for running HVAC systems and provide access to thermostats and filters.

Step 6: After the audit

• The auditor provides an Audit Certificate and files the report with Austin Energy, typically within 30 days.
• Attach the Audit Certificate to your Seller’s Disclosure and deliver it to the buyer on time. Audits are valid for 10 years.
• Decide whether to make any recommended improvements now or use them as negotiation points. Eligible upgrades may qualify for Austin Energy rebates through Home Energy Savings, and completion may satisfy ECAD for 10 years.

South Austin tips

• South Austin spans both city and non city areas, and not every home is on Austin Energy service. Verify location and service before you schedule.
• Selling a condo unit in a larger complex may involve an existing multifamily audit for the property. Review ECAD for residential customers to see how condos and multifamily are handled.
• Keep all receipts and program paperwork. These documents are the basis for many ECAD exemptions.
• Have questions for the City utility team Two good resources are the ECAD Residential Status Portal and the Austin Energy ECAD team at 512 482 5346.

Ready to list without ECAD delays If you want a marketing forward plan that covers compliance and elevates your home’s presentation, connect with Annaliz Bósquez.

FAQs

What is ECAD in Austin and who must comply

• ECAD requires many sellers within Austin city limits, served by Austin Energy, with homes 10 years or older to provide an energy audit or qualifying program documentation before closing. See ECAD for residential customers.

When do I have to deliver the ECAD audit to the buyer

• Provide the audit results or exemption at least three days before the option period ends, or at contract execution if there is no option period. Review timing on the sellers page.

How much time and money should I plan for an ECAD audit

• Allow 1 to 3 weeks to schedule, plan about 1 hour per 1,000 square feet on site, and budget roughly 100 to 400 dollars depending on home size and systems.

Do I have to complete the improvements recommended by the audit

• No. ECAD is a disclosure requirement, not a mandate to retrofit. Improvements can still help marketability and may qualify you for program based ECAD satisfaction.

How do I check if my South Austin home already has an audit or exemption

• Search your address in Austin Energy’s ECAD Residential Status Portal. If you completed qualifying improvements, upload or share that documentation with buyers.

What are the common ECAD exemptions for Austin home sales

• Homes outside Austin city limits, not on Austin Energy service, or newer than 10 years can be exempt. Certain Austin Energy program completions can also satisfy ECAD for 10 years through Home Energy Savings.