In order to combat climate change, the U.S. is aiming to decarbonize its energy sector by 2050. As stated in the National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector, the first two strategic objectives necessary for decarbonization are in a homeowner’s control:
- Increasing building energy efficiency, which includes adding insulation to the envelope where it is feasible and effective
- Accelerate on-site emissions reductions, by electrifying space and water heating
Within the buildings sector, the residential buildings stock is diverse and generally requires the most individual attention by energy auditors and contractors per unit of energy saved. Existing residential buildings need a pathway towards a more streamlined approach to decarbonization. To this effect, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) with funding from the Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office (BTO) and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) developed the following tools to help the user base transition to a cleaner and decarbonized economy.
 | The Retrofit Decision Tool is a place for homeowners, multifamily building owners and contractors to start the conversation about which retrofits they can employ to achieve zero-carbon-alignment. |
 | The Heat Pump Water Heater Installation tool helps contractors, installers, and homeowners through the decision-making process for heat pump water heater (HPWH) product selection and installation, with a focus on overcoming installation barriers. |
 | The Cold Climate Heat Pump Decision Tool guides contractors and installers through the decision-making process for heat pump (HP) sizing, identifying personalized CCHP recommendations, and applicable tax credits, with a focus on retrofits in cold climates. |
 | The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and the Building Technologies Office (BTO) of the Department of Energy (DOE) have collaborated to purchase the RED Calc web app software, providing free building science calculation tools used by building professionals around the world. |
 | The Quality Install Tool is an open-source web app designed to simplify, standardize, and expedite the creation of high-quality installation documentation for HVAC installations and efficiency upgrades. |