There’s a big debate in the green building industry about performance testing – should it be mandatory for new and existing construction and how much good will it do? As reported in the American Statesman on June 10, 2009 Austin just released the results of the first 310 homes that received energy audits under the new ordinance. The ordinance requires sellers to get energy audits of their homes and disclose the results to potential buyers. Austin Energy compiled these numbers from the first wave of audits:

86% of homes had ducts that leaked more than 10% – the rate considered acceptable for energy efficiency

The average amount of air leakage was 22% – WOW! This is the average of all homes tested – 1/4 of energy lost in leaking ducts.

The average loss in hard $$$$ is $260.00 a year per home. This is $260.00 of wasted electricity per home per year.

807,840 Total annual kilowatt-hours of electricity wasted by these houses — enough to power 67 average-size homes for a year

1 million Pounds of carbon dioxide emitted annually to produce the wasted electricity

$500 Average cost to seal ducts, after Austin Energy rebates, with a $120 average annual savings

$661 Average cost to add 6 inches of attic insulation, after rebates, with an average annual savings of $90

Now that’s some hard facts. How can anybody argue against performance testing?

Dallas does not have an ordinance like this – yet! But it would be in the interest of all consumers to know how efficient (or not) their house is before they buy it. If you are in the market for a new home in Dallas and would like to get it evaluated for energy efficiency before you buy, just give us a call at 214.550.5076 or email us to info@EGCDallas.com.