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Texas · #4 metro by population

Home energy audits in Dallas–Fort Worth

Where to get a home energy audit in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, what it costs, which rebates are open now and where Texas stands on the federal Home Energy Rebates. Every program links to its official page and was checked on October 12, 2026.

Metro area: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 19100; OMB July 2023 delineation: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise counties).

An energy advisor’s kit on a front-hall bench: infrared camera, pressure gauge with tubing, tape measure, headlamp and a floor sketch
Start here Free Fort Worth Weatherization Assistance Program (Tarrant County) · Income-qualified
Rebates and incentives open now 3 of 7 2 closed or fully reserved; 2 not open yet or without a posted status
Federal Home Energy Rebates Not open yet What that means here

Dallas–Fort Worth at a glance

Climate zone 2A

IECC 2021 climate zone for Dallas County, TX. PNNL ↗

What it means: Hot and humid climate. Cooling and humidity drive your bills; attic ducts, AC health and outages drive comfort.

Heating and cooling 2,220 HDD · 2,824 CDD

Heating and cooling degree days, base 65°F, 1991–2020 normals at DALLAS FT WORTH AP, TX US (USW00003927). NOAA ↗

What it means: Cooling needs outweigh heating here, so summer comfort and AC efficiency come first, with a short heating season.

Homes 1981 median year built

42.4% of occupied homes are owner-occupied. Dallas city, Texas, 2020–2024 ACS 5-year. Census ↗

What it means: Homes from the 1980s and 1990s usually have insulation, but ducts, attic air leaks and aging heating and cooling equipment are common audit findings.

Radon EPA zone 3

low potential: predicted average below 2 pCi/L (Dallas County, TX). EPA says not to use the zone to decide whether to test: high levels turn up in all three zones, so test every home. Radon testing guide · EPA ↗

What energy costs here

State Electricity¢ per kWh · July 2026 Natural gas$ per therm · 2025 average Propane$ per gallon · week of Oct 5, 2026
Texas 15.9¢ $1.87 $19.42 per thousand cu ft $3.10

What this means for your bills: Electricity in Texas is cheaper than the US average (15.9¢ against 18.3¢ per kWh), which keeps air conditioning and heat pumps cheaper to run.

  • Electricity: EIA’s average residential price, July 2026 (preliminary; released September 24, 2026). The U.S. average was 18.3¢ per kWh. EIA ↗
  • Natural gas: EIA’s 2025 average residential price per thousand cubic feet, which EIA says includes taxes and delivery, divided by 10.36 therms per thousand cubic feet (EIA’s 2025 average heat content of 1,036 Btu per cubic foot). A full-year average is used because summer months run far higher. EIA ↗
  • Heating oil and propane: EIA’s weekly residential prices, excluding taxes, for the week of October 5, 2026. EIA surveys them only in some states. EIA ↗

Hot and humid Florida, Texas and the Gulf Coast

What homes in Dallas–Fort Worth need

Cooling and humidity drive your bills; attic ducts, AC health and outages drive comfort.

Cooling and humidity drive your bills, and in slab homes the ducts often run through a hot attic. Comfort depends on an AC that is sized right, dries the air and keeps running, plus a house that can ride out outages, storms and the occasional hard freeze. A good audit starts with the ducts, the attic and the AC.

In Dallas–Fort Worth: Dallas County moved from IECC climate zone 3A to 2A in the 2021 code, while Collin, Denton, Kaufman and Rockwall counties remain 3A. Expect about 106 days a year at 90°F or more, plus real freezes.

What drives bills and comfort here

  • Cooling dominates: about 2,800 to 4,700 cooling degree days a year, and 91 to 124 days at 90°F or more.
  • Humid air: July dew points average 68–74°F, so your AC has to remove moisture as well as heat.
  • Most homes sit on slabs, so ducts and the air handler often run through the hottest space in the house, the attic.
  • Most homes heat with electricity, and long power outages are more common here than nationally.

Local risks to plan for

  • February 2021: DFW fell to -2°F and stayed at or below freezing for 139 hours.
  • Hail and tornadoes: hail losses here are among the highest in the US.
  • Heat waves: heat-wave risk to people here is among the highest in the US.
  • Extreme heat: about 20 days a year reach 100°F or more.

What to check first, and why

  1. Fix attic ducts and the air handler

    In slab homes this is often the biggest avoidable loss. Return ducts that pull in hot, humid attic air are a classic problem. Check leakage and insulation, and consider bringing ducts inside.

    Ask your auditor: Ask for a duct leakage test that measures leakage to outside, plus an attic check of duct insulation.

    Duct leakage testAttic inspection

  2. Control humidity, not just temperature

    Keep indoor relative humidity below 60%. An oversized AC short-cycles and leaves moisture behind, and AC breakdowns are the top reason homes here get too hot.

    Ask your auditor: Ask the auditor to log indoor humidity and compare your AC's size to a Manual J load calculation.

    Manual J load calculationMold and humidity check

  3. Cut attic heat: insulation and a radiant barrier

    ENERGY STAR suggests R30 (zone 1) to R49 (zone 2) for an uninsulated attic. A radiant barrier cuts attic heat flow by about 40%, typically 8–12% of cooling costs.

    Ask your auditor: Ask whether a radiant barrier fits your roof, and to seal attic air leaks before adding insulation.

    Attic inspectionInfrared (thermal) scan

  4. Block solar heat at the windows

    Single-pane and aluminum-frame windows are still common in this region. Low-SHGC glass, exterior solar screens and shading cut the heat coming in.

    Ask your auditor: Ask which windows take the most sun, and whether screens or shading would help before replacing windows.

    Infrared (thermal) scan

  5. Plan for outages, storms and freezes

    Long outages are more common here than nationally, from hurricanes, storms and the occasional hard freeze. A tight, well-insulated house holds its temperature longer.

    Ask your auditor: Ask how long your house would hold temperature in an outage, and where pipes could freeze in a hard freeze.

    Blower door test

  6. Check the pool pump, water heater and radon

    About one in six houses in this region has a pool, and its pump is a large, controllable load. Radon turns up in all three EPA zones, so test.

    Ask your auditor: Ask for pool pump and water heater advice, and test for radon; EPA says every home should be tested.

    Radon testEnergy bill analysis

Tests that matter most here

  • Duct leakage test Finds leaks in attic ducts and the air handler, measured as leakage to outside. Best timing: Any time. Do the attic inspection in the morning, before the attic heats up.
  • Blower door test Measures whole-house air leakage. With the house depressurized, an infrared scan shows leaks even at small temperature differences. Best timing: Hot afternoons with the AC on. To image insulation, run the AC a few degrees cooler for about 4 hours first.
  • Mold and humidity check Logging indoor temperature and humidity for several days shows whether your AC removes moisture. Aim for below 60% relative humidity. Best timing: Humid spring or fall days, when the AC runs less and humidity tends to climb.
  • Manual J load calculation A Manual J load calculation checks your AC's size against your house. Some utilities require one for rebates. Best timing: Before replacing your AC or heat pump.
  • Radon test EPA says to test every home, whatever its radon zone. Best timing: With windows and doors closed, before and after air sealing.

Upgrades that usually pay off here

  1. Seal and insulate ducts, or bring them inside. Options include a sealed attic or burying ducts in insulation. In humid climates, buried ducts must first be encapsulated in closed-cell foam to prevent condensation. A sealed attic needs a way to remove moisture.
  2. Right-sized variable-speed AC or heat pump. Sized with Manual J and Manual S, it runs longer, gentler cycles that pull more moisture from the air. Add a dehumidifier only if humidity stays above 60% afterward.
  3. Attic insulation plus a radiant barrier. Attic heat drives your cooling load and heats any ducts up there. A radiant barrier cuts attic heat flow about 40%. Install foil at the roof deck or rafters, not on the attic floor, where dust ruins it.
  4. Solar control at the windows. Low-SHGC glass, exterior solar screens and shading cut solar heat gain. Some utility programs, such as CPS Energy's Casa Verde, fund solar screens.
  5. Heat pump water heater in the garage. It cools and dehumidifies the space around it. It needs a space that stays between 40°F and 90°F.

Heating and cooling equipment

  • Southeast rules: a new split AC must be at least 14.3 SEER2 (13.8 for the largest sizes), based on installation date. EER2 shows efficiency on the hottest afternoons.
  • Heating loads are small, so a heat pump or AC with strip heat covers most winters. Where hard freezes come, check the heat pump's output at 17°F and size the backup heat for a multi-day cold snap.
  • Size with Manual J and Manual S, not a rule of thumb. Oversized systems short-cycle and leave the house humid.
  • Avoid exhaust-only ventilation: it depressurizes the house and pulls in humid outdoor air. Balanced ventilation, such as an ERV, avoids that.

Health and comfort

  • Mold and dust mites thrive in humid air. Keep indoor relative humidity below 60%, ideally 30–50%.
  • Long outages in summer heat are a health risk. Keep portable generators outside, away from windows and doors, because their exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
  • In flood-prone areas, ask the auditor about where your equipment sits and any signs of water intrusion.

Common mistakes in this climate

  • Plastic or vinyl wallpaper on exterior walls. On the inside of exterior walls, plastic or vinyl wallpaper traps moisture that humid outdoor air drives into the wall.
  • Oversized AC or rule-of-thumb sizing. Short cycles leave humidity behind. Insist on a Manual J load calculation.
  • Burying attic ducts without encapsulating them. In humid climates, ducts buried in insulation without closed-cell foam can sweat and drip.
  • Sealing the attic without moisture removal. A sealed attic brings ducts inside the envelope, but it needs a way to remove moisture.

When to book: Book in spring, before peak heat, so fixes are done by summer. Hot afternoons suit infrared, and humid spring or fall days show whether your AC dries the air.

Sources for this climate guide · checked October 26, 2026

Common problems in Dallas–Fort Worth homes

What each one usually means in this climate, the tests that confirm it and the fixes, cheapest first.

Utilities in the Dallas–Fort Worth area

Utility efficiency programs follow the company that delivers your power or gas, so check your bill before you book anything.

Electric

  • Oncor Electric Delivery Regulated transmission and distribution utility (TDU) headquartered in Dallas, 'delivering electricity to more than 4.1 million homes and businesses' in Texas. Its 2026 efficiency manual shows its territory includes the seven-county Metroplex (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Rockwall, Tarrant). Oncor describes itself as a delivery business; electricity is sold by retail electric providers. It runs the state-required energy efficiency programs (branded 'Take A Load Off Texas'). Source ↗
  • Retail electric providers (REPs), chosen by the customer In Oncor's competitive area, households buy electricity from a retail electric provider they choose. Plans can be compared on Power to Choose, the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ (PUCT) official electric choice website. Source ↗

Natural gas

  • Atmos Energy (Mid-Tex Division) Natural gas distribution utility. Atmos says its Mid-Tex Division 'serves the Dallas and Fort Worth area.' Source ↗

Texas retail electric choice applies here. Oncor is the wires utility that delivers power and runs the efficiency programs required by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) rule 16 TAC §25.181. It pays incentives only to registered third-party service providers (contractors, REPs, energy service companies), never directly to homeowners: the homeowner picks a participating provider and the incentive reduces that provider's price. REPs sell the electricity. Municipally owned utilities and electric cooperatives decide for themselves whether to join retail choice. A home served by one of those (for example in some DFW suburbs or rural fringe counties) is not in Oncor's programs and should check its own utility. Individual DFW municipal utilities and co-ops aren’t covered in this guide.

How to get a home energy audit in Dallas–Fort Worth

2 programs we track, open ones first. Prices are as each program publishes them. If you want a full diagnostic audit outside these programs, look for a certified auditor: how to find one and what audits cost.

Fort Worth Weatherization Assistance Program (Tarrant County)

City of Fort Worth Neighborhood Services Department (the local Weatherization Assistance Program provider for Tarrant County)

Open · limits apply Open: the page says it is accepting applications, but wait times are 'VERY LONG'. The program now prioritizes by need and vulnerability, and funding for some programs 'may be limited or unavailable.'
Free Income-qualified

Cost, as published Free: 'This is a grant funded program so there is no cost to the homeowner.'

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Who qualifies
Tarrant County residents ('some assistance is available only in certain cities within the county'). Household income must meet Federal Income Guidelines for the program; the page gives no dollar limit. Applicants need picture ID, proof of income for all adults, a current utility bill and proof of residence.
What you get
Technicians first complete an energy assessment. Typical upgrades are insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, A/C and heater repair or replacement, and minor repairs.
How to book
Apply online through the city's Neighborly Software portal (linked from the page). Phone 817-392-7554.

Dallas County Weatherization Assistance Program (energy audit + weatherization)

Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services (the local Weatherization Assistance Program provider for Dallas County)

Unconfirmed The county page has an online application; ask the program whether applications are open or whether there is a waitlist.
Not published Income-qualified

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Who qualifies
Low-income residents of Dallas County. The county page does not publish the income limit and refers to a 'Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) General Information' PDF. Service is available 'once every 15 years.' The county flyer gives priority to qualifying elderly people, people with disabilities and families with children.
What you get
Per the county flyer, 'Each dwelling will be assessed and audited before any work begins.' Measures can include draft sealing, insulation, door and window repair or replacement, solar screens, heating/cooling unit repair or retrofit, and duct work.
How to book
Apply online (dchhs.shahsoftwareservice.com, linked from the county page), or download the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) application and mail it or walk it in to Dallas County HHS, ATTN: WAP, 2377 N. Stemmons Fwy, Suite 336, Dallas, TX 75207-2710. Appointments: (214) 819-1976. General WAP questions: (214) 819-1909. Email: WAPassistance@dallascounty.org.

Rebates and incentives now

7 offers we track for the Dallas–Fort Worth metro; 3 are open as of October 12, 2026. Many require the program’s own contractor or an audit first, so read the terms before you buy.

Whole-home upgrades 0 open of 1

Oncor Home Energy Efficiency Program (HEE Standard Offer Program)

Oncor Electric Delivery, through registered third-party service providers

Closed Closed for 2026. Oncor's page says 'Due to high demand, funding for 2026 has been fully exhausted' and to 'check back in January 2027.'

Official page ↗ · verified October 19, 2026

Amount Incentives go to the participating service provider and 'may cover all or some of the project costs.' The 2026 per-system HVAC replacement incentive caps are: 2 tons $2,000; 2.5 tons $2,200; 3 tons $2,600; 3.5 tons $2,900; 4 tons $3,200; 5 tons $3,400. Measures completed outside the seven-county Metroplex (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Rockwall, Tarrant) earn an extra 15% geographic adjustment. Other incentives are paid per kW and kWh saved; per-measure rates are not published.

Who qualifies Homes with Oncor as the electric delivery provider. Homeowners can take part, and so can renters with the owner's permission. Eligible single-family measures: air infiltration (sealing), ENERGY STAR windows, high-efficiency central A/C, central/ground-source/mini-split heat pumps, ceiling/floor/wall insulation and radiant barriers. Ceiling insulation must be brought to R-38 where the existing level is R-22 or less.

Appliances and equipment 1 open of 2

Atmos Energy Mid-Tex Appliance Rebate Program

Atmos Energy (online portal operated by P3 Enertrek; questions handled at atmosenergyrebates@frontierenergy.com)

Open · limits apply Open for program year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, while funds last. Apply within 12 months of purchase or installation.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount Gas furnace 90%+ AFUE ENERGY STAR $300; 95%+ AFUE ENERGY STAR $350. Smart thermostat (ENERGY STAR) $75. Gas storage water heater: 0.68+ UEF $100, 0.86+ UEF ENERGY STAR $150, 0.90+ UEF ENERGY STAR $200. Gas tankless water heater: 0.87+ UEF $200, 0.95+ UEF ENERGY STAR $300. ENERGY STAR gas clothes dryer $75.

Who qualifies Current Atmos Energy residential or business customers in the Mid-Tex Division. One rebate per appliance, paid to either the builder or the homeowner. The application needs a recent Atmos bill and a receipt or contractor invoice.

Oncor Retail Products Program (ENERGY STAR discounts)

Oncor Electric Delivery (online marketplace run by CLEAResult; in-store discounts at participating retailers)

Unconfirmed Not stated. The page has no 2026-specific status, and Oncor says most programs run January–November each year.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount Discounts on qualifying ENERGY STAR products; Oncor's page states no dollar amounts. Online marketplace: advanced power strips, air purifiers, smart plugs, smart thermostats, plus reserved retailer coupons for clothes dryers, clothes washers and heat pump water heaters. In-store (Dollar Tree, Home Depot, Lowe's): power strips, pipe insulation, room air purifiers, room A/Cs, smart plugs, smart thermostats.

Who qualifies Homes served by Oncor for electric delivery; homeowners, or renters with the owner's permission.

Income-qualified offers 2 open of 3

City of Dallas HIPP: Emergency Home Rehabilitation

City of Dallas, administered by Volunteers of America Texas

Open Year-round; 'Applications will be reviewed if funding is available.'

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount Grant up to $10,000 for emergency repairs posing 'an immediate life or health and safety concern' (emergency must have occurred within the four days before applying).

Who qualifies Same HIPP rules: Dallas homeowner-occupants at or below 80% AMI.

City of Dallas Home Improvement & Preservation Program (HIPP): Major Systems Repair Program

City of Dallas Department of Housing, administered by Volunteers of America (VOA) Texas since February 2026

Short window Application window Oct 5–16, 2026 (City bulletin dated Oct 6, 2026). Apply via the VOA Texas portal (portal.neighborlysoftware.com/VOATX/Participant), by email to HIPP@voatx.org, or in person at 3560 S. Camp Wisdom, Suite 200. Questions: 817-494-0980.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount Interest-free, forgivable, self-amortizing loan 'not to exceed $24,000.00' for systems repairs: HVAC replace/repair, roofing replace/repair, electrical, plumbing, water heaters, gas pipes, structural code items, lead/asbestos treatment, accessibility.

Who qualifies City of Dallas homeowners with income at or below 80% of Area Median Income. The home must be the primary residence, owned at least six months, with clear title and property taxes current or on a payment plan. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Priority goes to first-time participants.

Oncor Low-Income Weatherization

Oncor Electric Delivery, through approved third-party service providers

Closed Closed for 2026. Oncor's page says 'Due to high demand, funding for 2026 has been fully exhausted' and to 'check back in January 2027.'

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount 'Low- to no-cost energy-saving upgrades, such as insulation, heating and cooling upgrades.'

Who qualifies Oncor-delivered homes with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. 2026 limits (Feb 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2027): 1 person $31,920; 2 $43,280; 3 $54,640; 4 $66,000; 5 $77,360; 6 $88,720; 7 $100,080; 8 $111,440; add $11,360 for each additional person.

Other incentives 0 open of 1

Oncor Residential Solar Program

Oncor Electric Delivery, through approved solar service providers

Unconfirmed Not stated. The page has no 2026 status notice.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Amount Incentive depends on 'the size, azimuth and other factors of the installed system'. It is paid to the service provider, and no dollar figure is published.

Who qualifies Oncor-delivered homes with a new system that includes an energy storage back-up system. Sites with existing solar arrays are not eligible. Maximum 15 kW DC. Requires an Oncor Interconnection Agreement.

Statewide rebate programs and federal options: rebates and programs.

Heat pumps in Dallas–Fort Worth → What a heat pump costs to run here for cooling and heating, each heat pump rebate with the equipment rule that decides which models qualify, and the certified systems and brands that suit the climate.

Federal Home Energy Rebates in Texas

The two federal rebate programs, HOMES (whole-home efficiency) and the high-efficiency electric home rebates (HEAR, renamed HEEHR in 2026), are run by each state, so availability depends on the state. DOE rewrote the rules effective May 29, 2026 (Program Notice 26-2 ↗): no more federal rebates for switching from gas, oil or propane to electric equipment, and insulation and air sealing come before heating and cooling upgrades unless a home already meets a state-set level.

Status for the Dallas–Fort Worth metro
Not open yet Texas hasn't launched either federal Home Energy Rebate program: HEEHR for electric appliances or HOMES for whole-home upgrades. Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026

Program: Texas HOMES and HEAR Rebate programs (Home Efficiency Rebates, HOMES; Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, HEAR)

Run by: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, State Energy Conservation Office (SECO). Implementer: APTIM Federal Services, LLC, hired April 2026.

DOE allocated $690 million to Texas. HOMES (whole-home efficiency) will be open to all income levels, single-family and multifamily; renters can take part with landlord permission. HEAR is limited to low-income (<80% AMI) and moderate-income (80–150% AMI) households, and HEAR appliances must be ENERGY STAR. Rebate amounts are not set; 'Recommended rebate levels for the Texas HOMES program are currently under review by the DOE.' Projects completed before launch are unlikely to qualify. Texas must spend its allocation by Sept 30, 2031. The FAQ (modified 2026-09-02) said the public comment form was open through the end of September.

StateHEAR / HEEHR (electric appliances)HOMES (whole-home efficiency)
Texas Texas rebate guide
Not open yet not launched (planning and design phase) Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026
Not open yet not launched (planning and design phase) Official page ↗ verified October 12, 2026

How the programs work: Home Energy Rebates explained · every state’s status.

Help for lower-income households

Weatherization Assistance Program, Dallas County

Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services

Free-standing Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for low-income Dallas County residents: pre-work energy audit, then sealing, insulation, door/window, solar screen, HVAC and duct work. Available once every 15 years. The same department is the county's CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, utility bill help) provider. Phone (214) 819-1909.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Weatherization Assistance Program, Tarrant County

City of Fort Worth Neighborhood Services Department

Free energy assessment plus insulation, air/duct sealing and HVAC repair/replacement for income-eligible Tarrant County residents. Accepting applications, with very long waits. Phone 817-392-7554.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Weatherization Assistance Program, Collin, Denton, Rockwall and Hunt counties

Texoma Council of Governments (Sherman), per the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ (TDHCA) list of local providers

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) routes the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for these DFW counties through Texoma COG, phone (903) 893-2161. Other fringe counties per the same list: Ellis and Johnson go to Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation (Waco), Kaufman to Greater East Texas Community Action Program, and Parker to Rolling Plains Management Corporation.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Oncor Low-Income Weatherization (Hard-to-Reach)

Oncor Electric Delivery, via approved service providers

Low- to no-cost insulation and HVAC upgrades for Oncor customers at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. 2026 funding is fully exhausted; Oncor says to check back January 2027.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

City of Dallas Home Improvement & Preservation Program (HIPP)

City of Dallas Housing, administered by Volunteers of America Texas

Up to $24,000 forgivable loan for major systems (HVAC, roof, water heater, plumbing, electrical). Emergency grants up to $10,000. For Dallas homeowners at or below 80% AMI. The current application window is Oct 5–16, 2026.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Texas Weatherization Assistance Program (statewide framework)

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), DOE and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds, delivered by local local providers in all 254 counties

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) includes an energy audit, then measures such as caulking, weather-stripping, ceiling/wall/floor insulation, duct work and HVAC tune-up/repair/replacement. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ (TDHCA) 2025 DOE WAP State Plan was approved 9/30/25.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Local energy rules

1 of the 2 rules we found reaches ordinary homeowners in some way; it’s listed first.

New building or permitted work

Dallas Green Building Program (green building ordinance)

Who it applies to New construction and additions (single-family and duplex on the residential side) and first-time tenant finish-outs. It does not apply to existing homes, renovations or remodels.

New residential projects must meet City prescriptive green requirements (stormwater, water efficiency, energy efficiency, heat island, indoor air quality) or an approved path such as Green Built Texas, LEED for Homes or ICC 700, with third-party plan review and inspection. The City's own overview states: 'Green Building code DOES NOT apply to Renovations / Remodels.'

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

No local mandate found

No energy audit, disclosure-at-sale, benchmarking or building performance standard for private buildings in Dallas

Who it applies to Not applicable to homeowners. No requirement was found for existing private homes or buildings.

We know of no City of Dallas ordinance requiring energy audits, energy disclosure at sale, or benchmarking of private buildings. ACEEE's State & Local Policy Database (a non-government source; Dallas scorecard updated 05/2024) says Dallas 'runs a 2030 District to encourage voluntary benchmarking' and benchmarks city facilities only. Ordinary Dallas homeowners have no energy audit or disclosure obligation when selling.

Official page ↗ · verified October 12, 2026

Notes worth knowing

  • Texas's IRA rebates (HOMES/HEAR) have not launched, so in 2026 DFW homeowners rely on Oncor's contractor-delivered incentives, Atmos gas appliance rebates and income-qualified programs.
  • Oncor says 2026 funding for both its Home Energy Efficiency and Low-Income Weatherization programs is fully exhausted, and to check back in January 2027.
  • Oncor runs no stand-alone home energy audit program: its incentives flow through participating service providers, and the Find a Provider tool shows providers only while programs are open.
  • A homeowner wanting a full audit outside Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) must hire a private auditor at their own cost.
  • We know of no local government audit offer for market-rate homeowners.
  • Whole Home Dallas (wholehomedallas.com, run by the City's Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability) is a navigation site that points homeowners to weatherization, efficiency and renewable programs; it does not fund upgrades itself.
  • A 2024 City-sponsored UTA 'Green Warriors' pilot weatherized eight South Dallas homes (about $3,750 each) and is described as complete, not an ongoing program.
  • Oncor Retail Products discount amounts.
  • Confirm current amounts with the program before you buy.

Dallas–Fort Worth: common questions

How do I get a home energy audit in Dallas–Fort Worth?

Start with Fort Worth Weatherization Assistance Program (Tarrant County). Run by: City of Fort Worth Neighborhood Services Department (the local Weatherization Assistance Program provider for Tarrant County). It’s for income-qualified households. Cost: Free: 'This is a grant funded program so there is no cost to the homeowner.' Who qualifies: Tarrant County residents ('some assistance is available only in certain cities within the county'). Household income must meet Federal Income Guidelines for the program; the page gives no dollar limit. Applicants need picture ID, proof of income for all adults, a current utility bill and proof of residence. How to book: Apply online through the city's Neighborly Software portal (linked from the page). Phone 817-392-7554. We track 2 audit programs for the Dallas–Fort Worth metro, checked October 12, 2026; all of them are on this page.

Are the federal Home Energy Rebates available in Dallas–Fort Worth?

Texas hasn't launched either federal Home Energy Rebate program: HEEHR for electric appliances or HOMES for whole-home upgrades. Checked October 12, 2026. Nationally, DOE rewrote the rules effective May 29, 2026: federal appliance rebates no longer pay for switching from gas, oil or propane to electric equipment, and homes must get insulation and air sealing before heating and cooling upgrades unless they already meet a state-set level.

Is there help for lower-income households in Dallas–Fort Worth?

Yes. Programs for income-qualified households in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro include Weatherization Assistance Program, Dallas County, Weatherization Assistance Program, Tarrant County, Weatherization Assistance Program, Collin, Denton, Rockwall and Hunt counties, Oncor Low-Income Weatherization (Hard-to-Reach), City of Dallas Home Improvement & Preservation Program (HIPP) and Texas Weatherization Assistance Program (statewide framework). Each one’s rules and contacts are listed on this page, with a link to its official page.

Which local energy rules affect homeowners in Dallas–Fort Worth?

None of the local energy rules we track applies to ordinary existing homes. Dallas Green Building Program (green building ordinance) applies only to new buildings or permitted work. No energy audit, disclosure-at-sale, benchmarking or building performance standard for private buildings in Dallas.

Can I claim a federal tax credit for an energy audit in Dallas–Fort Worth?

Not for an audit done in 2026. The federal credit of up to $150 for a home energy audit was part of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C), and the IRS says it can’t be claimed for audits paid for or done after December 31, 2025. Public Law 119-21 ended 25C and the Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) for 2026 work. An audit done in 2025 is claimed on the 2025 return (Form 5695).

Sources and checks

Every source below was opened and checked on October 12, 2026.

Planning upgrades in Dallas–Fort Worth?

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