BY GRANT CRAWFORD
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In the city of Austin, the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure ordinance, which was first implemented in 2009, requires home sellers to disclose an energy audit to potential buyers if the property is within the Austin Energy service area, lies within the Austin city limits and the home is 10 years old or older. While homes outside of Austin don’t meet these conditions and are not required to perform an ECAD, residents can still benefit by learning how to improve their home’s energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, home owners can save 5%-30% on energy bills by mak- ing upgrades identified in the audit. Signs a home is in need of improvements include sudden spikes in energy bills, warm air leaks during the summer, uneven temperatures throughout the home and HVAC systems running nonstop.
Those who have an energy audit completed and make improvements to a home can earn money back through a variety of local rebates and tax credits. Austin Energy offers rebates and loan options for improvements made through its Home Energy Savings program. Oncor also offers a variety of financial incentives to homeowners and businesses through its energy efficiency programs, and those who make qualified energy-efficient improvements to a home may qualify for federal tax credits as well. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, other steps residents can take to improve their home’s efficiency include installing window coverings, raising the home’s temperature when away, using the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from the home, and vacuuming air intake vents.
Common home energy improvements
Seal air leaks around floors, walls, windows and doors
Add insulation to attics, crawl spaces and exterior walls
Install energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights
Install and set programmable thermostats
Seal air ducts
Install energy-efficient hot water heater
SOURCE: U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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