(a) The provisions of this Part apply to the disclosure of heating and/or cooling expenses in connection with a residential structure which is offered for sale or rental on or after January 1, 1981, in accordance with article 17 of the Energy Law, the “Truth in Heating” act.

(b) The intent of this Part is to encourage sellers and lessors of residential structures whose tenants pay directly for heating and/or cooling expenses to make their premises more energy-efficient, and to provide historical heating and/or cooling expense information to prospective purchasers and lessees so that they may more accurately calculate or estimate future energy costs and the need for energy conservation measures prior to purchase or lease of such residences.