Required for Home Sellers. Easy with 1st Choice Energy.
If you're planning to sell your home in Austin and it’s 10 years or older, you may be required to complete an ECAD audit. Luckily, we make the process quick, affordable, and stress-free!
1st Choice Energy is a certified ECAD Energy Professional, helping Texas homeowners meet City of Austin ordinance requirements and unlock opportunities to improve their home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and resale value.
What Is the ECAD Ordinance?
Austin’s Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance requires home sellers to provide buyers with a detailed report on the home’s energy efficiency.
You’re subject to ECAD if your home:
Is 10 years or older
Is within Austin city limits
Is within Austin Energy’s service area
What’s Involved in an ECAD Audit?
An ECAD audit goes into greater detail than the free assessments offered through Austin Energy’s Home Energy Savings program. During these audits, our licensed professionals perform a comprehensive inspection of:
Insulation levels
Ductwork leakiness (including Ductblaster testing to measure ductwork air leakage)
HVAC system age and performance
Windows and shading
The result is a comprehensive report that helps buyers understand your home’s energy performance and positions you as a transparent and responsible seller. ECAD audits are valid for 10 years, and you can get one at any point prior to selling your home.
While the ECAD ordinance doesn’t require you to make any energy efficiency improvements, choosing to do so can be a smart investment and increase your home’s value and appeal, making it more attractive to prospective buyers who care about comfort, savings, and sustainability. These upgrades may include:
Why Buyers Care About Energy Efficiency
In today’s market, energy performance isn’t just a bonus: it’s a selling point. Homebuyers are increasingly looking for properties that promise lower utility bills, year-round comfort, and healthy indoor air. An ECAD report gives them the information they need to buy with confidence, and shows them where they can invest to make improvements.
Even better? If your home already features efficiency upgrades, like new insulation or a high-efficiency HVAC system, you’re not just helping the environment. You’re also making your home more attractive and competitive in the eyes of buyers.
Want to Avoid the ECAD Audit Entirely?
If you complete qualifying upgrades through Austin Energy’s Home Energy Savings Program, you may be exempt from the ECAD audit requirement. Upon completing the work, you’ll receive a Home Energy Savings participation document—an official record that your home meets energy performance standards, which replaces the need for a separate ECAD audit when selling.
As part of this program, you're also eligible for a no-cost energy assessment. While this audit is incredibly useful for identifying comfort and efficiency improvements, it does not fulfill ECAD requirements on its own. Our team will help you understand your options and guide you through the entire process.
Are You a Real Estate Professional? We Help Keep Deals Moving!
We regularly partner with real estate agents and listing teams across Austin to provide fast, professional ECAD audits that meet city requirements and support a smooth transaction.
If you’re a realtor who needs a reliable energy audit for a listing, 1st Choice Energy is your go-to partner. We provide quick turnaround, clear reporting, and responsive service, so you can focus on closing.
Book your ECAD Audit today with 1st Choice Energy. Call 512-345-0956 or contact our team online to schedule an appointment.