Lack of clean energy audit may be crime

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin homeowners looking to sell their home must get a clean energy audit or likely face criminal charges starting Monday June 1.

Any home 10 years or older will require an Energy Conservation Audit after the Austin City Council approved the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure to improve the energy efficiency of Austin homes and businesses.

A clean energy audit will cost homeowners around $300. Auditors will inspect windows, insulation, duct work and air filtration. Some 27 companies with auditors trained and approved by the city are listed on Austin energy’s Web site.

David Shockley's parents' home is now on the market.

"It's on the market today officially," said Shockley.

Before anyone can buy it, energy auditors must inspect it.

"My parents are elderly, and I thought it's just one more thing I have to do to help my parents," said Shockley.

He soon realized in this tough housing market, energy efficiency can be a good selling point.

"Even though this home is built in 1984, it has double-pane windows," said Shockley. "Very unusual, very forward thinking."

Shockley hired David Malone with 1st Choice Energy to audit his parents' home.

Malone looked at the windows to see how much heat was coming into the home. He measured the attic's insulation, the duct work and air infiltration.

Malone said business has been very good.

"The phones have been lining up 10 days ago, and I've been busy ever since," said Malone.

Now that homeowners must get a green energy audit, the demand for auditors is red hot. It has created more than 100 jobs in the Austin area.

"Very good thing," said Malone. "To be honest with you, it's Austin's version of the stimulus package."

Shockley is just hoping the energy efficient stamp of approval will attract a home buyer.

Once auditors inspect homes, homeowners do not have to fix anything. They are just required to pay for auditors to look at their homes, an audit is good for 10 years.

The audit only applies Austin Energy customers inside the city limits. For more information, visit Austin Energy’s Web site.