Multifamily ECAD Audit in Austin, TX

Received an ECAD notice from Austin Energy, or discovered that your property’s previous audit has expired?

Green Austin Energy Audits provides independent multifamily ECAD audits for qualifying apartment communities, mixed-use developments and affordable-housing properties in Austin. We handle the onsite inspection and testing, prepare the required report, submit it directly to Austin Energy and respond if ECAD staff request corrections or additional information.

Our primary focus is multifamily properties with 5–100 residential units.
Request a Multifamily ECAD Proposal

Or call (512) 563-3913 to discuss your property.

To receive an accurate proposal, please provide the property address, total number of units, number of buildings and number of floor-plan types.

Since 2009
Performing Austin ECAD audits

3,000+
ECAD audits completed

5–100 Units
Our primary focus

BPI & RESNET
Austin Energy-registered

Did You Receive a Multifamily ECAD Notice?

Most owners and property managers contact us for one of two reasons:

  • Austin Energy sent a notice stating that the property needs an ECAD audit.
  • Management discovered that the property’s previous multifamily audit is more than 10 years old.

Green Austin Energy Audits can help verify the property’s previous audit date, compliance history and current deadline. When contacting us, please include a copy of the Austin Energy notice when available.

If you received a notice, there is usually no reason to panic.

In our experience, Austin Energy is generally looking for the audit to be completed within the same calendar year, not today or tomorrow.

However, it is still a good idea to begin the process early. Management may need time to prepare the property information, select appropriate sample units, notify residents and coordinate access.

Does Your Property Need a Multifamily ECAD Audit?

The City of Austin’s Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance generally applies to a multifamily property when it:

  • Contains five or more rental dwelling units
  • Is located within the Austin city limits
  • Receives electricity from Austin Energy
  • Is at least 10 years old
  • Does not qualify for a current exemption

The initial audit is required during the calendar year in which a qualifying property turns 10 years old. A completed multifamily ECAD audit is valid for 10 years, after which the property must be audited again.

Having an Austin mailing address does not necessarily mean that a property is within the Austin city limits. Similarly, receiving electricity from Austin Energy is not enough by itself. Both requirements must apply.

Austin Energy makes the final determination regarding applicability and exemptions. We can help review your property’s audit history and communicate with ECAD staff when clarification is needed.

Independent Multifamily ECAD Audits

Green Austin Energy Audits acts strictly as the auditor for multifamily ECAD projects.

We do not sell or install:

  • HVAC equipment
  • Duct repairs or replacements
  • Attic insulation
  • Solar screens
  • Windows
  • Weatherization improvements
  • Other multifamily energy-efficiency upgrades

Our job is to inspect the property, perform the required testing, accurately document existing conditions and complete the Austin Energy submission.

Because we do not sell the improvements identified during the audit, there is no incentive for us to exaggerate problems or recommend unnecessary work.

Most owners hire us primarily to complete the ECAD requirement. However, we are available to personally explain the results and answer questions when an owner or manager wants to better understand the findings.

What Does a Multifamily ECAD Audit Include?

A multifamily ECAD audit documents the energy-related characteristics of the property and a required sample of its residential units. The audit generally includes the following.

Property and Community Information

We document information such as:

  • Total number of residential units
  • Number of buildings
  • Number and names of floor-plan types
  • Total rentable square footage
  • Property age and recent renovations
  • Laundry locations
  • Electric-meter configuration
  • Domestic water-heating fuel
  • Air-handler and duct-system types
  • Recent HVAC replacements
  • Participation in applicable Austin Energy programs

Austin Energy’s current report format records these property-level details before documenting the individual buildings and tested units.

Building Exteriors, Roofs and Attics

We visually inspect every building exterior and inspect at least one accessible attic in each building.

The report may document:

  • Window types
  • Existing solar screens or other shading
  • Roof type and roofing material
  • Attic-insulation type and approximate R-value
  • Radiant barriers
  • Open building chases
  • Other required roof and attic conditions

These items are recorded separately for each building in the Austin Energy audit report.

Common Areas

We inspect applicable common areas and record information such as:

  • Type and use of the space
  • Approximate square footage
  • Lighting
  • Metering when available
  • Energy-related equipment

Common areas may include leasing offices, clubhouses, laundry rooms, community rooms and similar shared spaces.

HVAC and Duct-System Information

We document applicable heating and cooling information for the property’s floor plans, including:

  • Air-conditioning type
  • Equipment age and efficiency information
  • Heating type and fuel source
  • Air-handler configuration
  • Duct-system type
  • Other required equipment information

Duct Leakage Testing

We perform duct leakage testing in every apartment included in the required sample.

The completed report identifies each tested apartment by building, unit number and floor-plan type. It records the measured duct leakage for each sampled unit and calculates an average leakage percentage for the property.

Does Every Apartment Need to Be Tested?

No. A multifamily ECAD audit normally uses a representative sample of residential units rather than testing every apartment.

Property management may select the apartments included in the sample, but the selection must meet the required sampling criteria.

At a minimum, we need:

  • At least one sampled apartment in every building
  • Representation from every floor-plan type across the property
  • Access to one attic in every building
  • An appropriate distribution of units across the property

The number of sampled apartments also depends on the total number of units.

We encourage management to include all available vacant units in the proposed sample whenever practical. Vacant apartments are easier to access and reduce disruption to residents.

However, vacant units cannot make up the entire sample if they do not represent every building and floor-plan type.

What Do We Need From Property Management?

Good preparation is the biggest factor in completing the onsite audit efficiently.

Current Rent Roll

Before the inspection, management should provide a current rent roll showing:

  • Unit number
  • Floor-plan name or type
  • Bedroom and bathroom count
  • Square footage

We will also need or request:

  • A site plan showing buildings, units and common areas
  • Total unit count
  • Total number of buildings
  • Total number of floor-plan types
  • Property construction date
  • Dates and descriptions of recent major renovations
  • Property owner and management-company contacts
  • Property tax identification numbers
  • Available HVAC-replacement or upgrade information
  • Plans or blueprints when available
  • The name of an onsite staff member who can assist with access
  • A copy of the Austin Energy ECAD notice, when applicable

Coordinating Access to Apartments and Attics

Management is responsible for notifying residents and arranging access to the selected apartments.

Access is usually handled in one of two ways:

Keys
Management provides keys for the selected units.

Escort
A property employee escorts our auditor through the property.

Management should also confirm that keys work, residents have received appropriate notice and the selected apartments will be available during the scheduled inspection.

We will need access to:

  • Every apartment included in the testing sample
  • At least one attic in each building
  • All applicable common areas
  • Relevant mechanical or equipment spaces
  • The exterior of every building
Avoid a second site visit. Incorrect rent rolls, missing keys, inaccessible attic openings or residents who were not notified can delay the audit and may require an additional site visit.

What Happens During the Onsite Audit?

During the property visit, Green Austin Energy Audits will:

  • Confirm the property and building information
  • Inspect the exterior of every building
  • Inspect one accessible attic in each building
  • Inspect all applicable common areas
  • Review the selected apartments
  • Document HVAC and duct-system information
  • Perform duct leakage testing in every sampled apartment
  • Record the information needed for the Austin Energy report

A Few Hours
A small property with 5–10 units may take only a few hours.

1–2 Days
Properties with more buildings, floor plans and sampled apartments may require one to two days onsite.

Most properties within our preferred 5–100-unit range can be completed within that timeframe when management has properly coordinated access.

From Inspection to Completed ECAD Audit

Once the onsite inspection is complete, we handle the reporting and Austin Energy submission process.

Inspect

Onsite inspection & testing

Prepare

Complete ECAD Audit report

Submit

Send directly to Austin Energy

Correct

Handle requested revisions

Complete

Austin Energy issues documents

After the onsite work is complete, we review the property and testing information, prepare the required multifamily ECAD report and submit it directly to Austin Energy. If ECAD staff request clarification or corrections, we communicate with them and make the necessary revisions.

When we receive the required information and successfully access everything during the first visit, we can often prepare and submit the report the same day or the following business day.

After Austin Energy accepts the audit, Austin Energy provides the owner or property manager with the final disclosure documents, including the Energy Audit Results Disclosure Notice and Austin Energy Guide. Property owners are responsible for posting and providing the required information to current and prospective residents.

Understanding the Audit Results

The ECAD report documents the property’s existing energy-related conditions. It may identify issues or improvement opportunities involving:

  • High duct leakage
  • Older or inefficient HVAC equipment
  • Low attic-insulation levels
  • Missing solar shading
  • Window conditions
  • Air sealing
  • Weatherstripping
  • Lighting or common-area equipment

Most clients simply want to complete the ECAD requirement. We respect that.

For owners or managers who are interested, we will personally explain the findings and answer questions about the report. Because Green Austin Energy Audits does not perform multifamily improvement work, this conversation does not become a sales presentation.

Are Energy-Efficiency Improvements Required?

For most properties, the ECAD ordinance requires the audit and disclosure of the results but does not automatically require the owner to make all recommended improvements.

Different requirements may apply if Austin Energy designates the community as a High Energy Use property.

150%
Austin Energy currently defines High Energy Use as exceeding 150% of the average per-square-foot energy use for comparable multifamily properties.

20%
These properties may be required to reduce energy use by 20%.

Austin Energy determines whether a property receives this designation.

Austin Energy Multifamily Rebates

When an audit identifies potential improvements, we make owners and managers aware that Austin Energy offers rebates and incentives through its Multifamily Program.

Current offerings may include incentives for:

  • Attic insulation
  • Duct-system improvements
  • HVAC services or equipment
  • Solar screens and window improvements
  • Smart thermostats
  • LED lighting
  • Other qualifying energy-efficiency measures

Up to $2,500
Austin Energy currently advertises an ECAD incentive of up to $2,500 for eligible properties.

The audit incentive is generally paid as part of an approved energy-efficiency improvement project rather than as a standalone reimbursement simply for completing an audit. Program availability, funding and eligibility should be confirmed with Austin Energy before beginning work.

Green Austin Energy Audits does not sell or perform these improvements. Property owners work directly with Austin Energy and eligible participating contractors when pursuing rebate-funded work.

Why Choose Green Austin Energy Audits?

Performing ECAD Audits Since 2009

Jason French has performed ECAD audits in Austin since the ordinance’s original implementation. Green Austin Energy Audits has completed more than 3,000 ECAD audits overall.

Experienced With 10-Year Re-Audits

Many properties audited during the original ECAD rollout are now due (or already overdue) for their next audit. We understand the re-audit process and can help verify the property’s prior audit date and current status.

Direct Austin Energy Submission

We do not hand you an unfinished report and leave you to determine what to do with it. We prepare and submit the audit directly to Austin Energy and communicate with ECAD staff when corrections or clarification are needed.

No Multifamily Improvement Sales

We act strictly as the auditor. We do not sell the HVAC, insulation, duct, window or weatherization improvements that may be identified during the audit.

Experience With Different Property Types

Our multifamily experience includes:

  • Small 5–10-unit rental properties
  • Traditional apartment communities
  • Mixed-use developments
  • Affordable-housing properties
  • Multi-building communities
  • Properties with numerous floor plans
  • Communities containing more than 500 residential units

Our primary focus is properties with 100 units or fewer, where our team can provide direct communication and personal attention throughout the project.

Qualified Multifamily ECAD Auditors

Jason French
BPI Building Analyst Professional and RESNET HERS Rater who has performed Austin ECAD audits since 2009.

Trace Thomas
BPI-certified auditor who has performed multifamily ECAD audits since 2018.

Austin Energy requires multifamily ECAD audits to be completed by qualified professionals holding an applicable RESNET Rater or BPI Building Analyst credential and registered with Austin Energy.

Building Performance Institute (BPI) certified professional badge
RESNET Rater Member badge

Request a Multifamily ECAD Proposal

To prepare an accurate proposal, we need:

  • Property address
  • Total number of residential units
  • Number of buildings
  • Number of floor-plan types

Please also attach or provide a copy of the Austin Energy notice when available.

Request a Multifamily ECAD Proposal

Or call (512) 563-3913 to discuss your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does a multifamily property need an ECAD audit?

A qualifying property must complete its initial audit in the calendar year it turns 10 years old. The audit remains valid for 10 years, after which another audit is required.

How quickly must we respond to an Austin Energy notice?

In our experience, Austin Energy generally expects the audit to be completed within the same calendar year. The notice does not normally mean that an inspection must take place immediately. We still recommend contacting an auditor early enough to coordinate resident notices and unit access.

Can you verify whether our previous audit has expired?

Yes. We can help verify the previous audit date, current compliance status and applicable deadline. The information in an Austin Energy notice is usually correct, but we can communicate with ECAD staff if clarification is needed.

Do you need access to every apartment?

No. The audit uses a required sample of apartments. The sample must represent every building and every floor-plan type, and every selected apartment receives duct leakage testing.

Can we use vacant apartments for the sample?

Yes. We encourage management to select all available vacant apartments whenever possible. However, additional occupied units may be needed if the vacant units do not represent every building and floor-plan type.

Who chooses the apartments that will be tested?

Property management may select the units, provided that the final sample meets the audit requirements. We review the proposed sample before the inspection.

Who is responsible for notifying residents?

Property management is responsible for providing required resident notices and arranging access. Management normally supplies keys or has an employee escort our auditor.

How long does the onsite audit take?

A 5–10-unit property may take a few hours. Properties with more buildings, floor plans and sampled apartments may require one to two days onsite.

How soon is the report submitted?

When management provides complete information and we can access everything during the first visit, we can often prepare and submit the audit to Austin Energy the same day or the following business day.

Does Green Austin Energy Audits sell the recommended improvements?

No. We act strictly as an independent multifamily ECAD auditor. We do not sell or install multifamily HVAC equipment, duct repairs, insulation, windows, solar screens or other efficiency improvements.

Can the ECAD audit identify energy-saving opportunities?

Yes. The report documents conditions such as duct leakage, HVAC efficiency, attic insulation, windows and solar shading. We are available to explain the findings when an owner or manager is interested.

Is financial assistance available for the audit?

Austin Energy currently advertises an incentive of up to $2,500 for eligible multifamily properties. The incentive is generally connected to participation in a qualifying Austin Energy improvement program. Owners should confirm eligibility with Austin Energy before beginning a project.

Need Help With a Multifamily ECAD Audit?

Green Austin Energy Audits works with apartment owners and property managers to complete required multifamily ECAD audits for qualifying properties within the Austin city limits. If you received an Austin Energy notice or believe a previous audit has expired, contact us to discuss the property and request a proposal.

Request a Multifamily ECAD Proposal

Or call (512) 563-3913 to discuss your property.