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Overview guide providing background information on extreme heat in the United States as it relates to homes and links to guides describing specific ways to make homes more resistant to extreme heat.

Guide describing refrigerant-based compression-cooling air conditioning systems for space cooling.

Information guide listing Building America Solution Center guides that describe ways to air-seal and insulate a new or existing home's walls to resist heat gain.

Information guide providing links to guides describing specific ways to air-seal, insulate, and ventilate attics and roofs to minimize heat gain in new and existing homes.

Guide describing application of a radiant barrier layer in the attic to block radiant heat transfer between hot surfaces and heat-absorbing surfaces.

Information guide describing the use of attic ventilation fans to mechanically pull outside air through the attic in an attempt to cool the attic, control moisture, and prevent ice dams.

Guide describing ceiling fan components and basic steps for installation.

Guide providing information on how cool roofs and wall cladding surfaces work, which climates can most benefit from them, and how to find and select cool roofs and wall cladding products.

Guide describing how to create a designated shelter-from-heat space in a home to help occupants successfully weather an extreme heat event.

Information guide describing ways to design and build a home to be resistant to periods of extreme heat.

Guide describing ductless heat pump systems used for single-room or whole-house heating and cooling.

Guide describing methods for providing space cooling and refrigeration during extreme heat events and/or power outages.

This guide describes evaporative cooling technologies which can be used to cool homes in dry climates.

Guide describing the use of doors that are insulated and are impact rated or have protective coverings for resistance to hurricane, high winds, wildfires, and thermal losses.

Guide providing information about high-performance and high-efficiency windows including ENERGY STAR-certified windows.

Guide describing materials and methods for incorporating thermal mass into the construction of a home for temperature regulation, energy savings, and resistance to extreme heat and cold.

Guide describing ways to use landscaping to keep a home cooler.

Guide describing how to install low-emissivity exterior storm windows.

Guide describing various ways of implementing passive and low-energy cooling techniques for a house.

Guide describing various methods of shading and solar control to reduce heat gain through windows.

Guide describing the split system heat pumps used for central forced air heating and cooling.

Guide describing the types of whole-house fans, installation details to reduce air leakage, and ways to operate them for comfort and energy savings based on climate zone.

Guide providing information on interior and exterior window attachments for shading, glare control, noise control, protection from high winds, privacy, and reduced heat loss in winter.

Extreme Heat

Extreme Heat Overview

Air Conditioning

Air Sealing and Insulating Walls to Reduce Heat Gain

Air Sealing, Insulating, and Venting Attics and Roofs to Reduce Heat Gain

Attic Radiant Barriers

Attic Ventilation Fans

Ceiling Fans (ENERGY STAR)

Cool Roofs and Walls to Reduce Heat Gain

Creating a Cool Room for Extreme Heat Events

Design for Extreme Heat

Ductless (Mini-Split) Heat Pumps

Emergency Air Conditioning and Food Refrigeration

Evaporative Cooling Systems

Exterior Doors Are Insulated, Impact Rated, and Fire Rated

High-Performance (ENERGY STAR) Windows

High-Thermal-Mass Construction

Landscaping to Reduce Cooling Load

Low-E Exterior Storm Windows

Passive and Low-Energy Cooling

Shading and Solar Control for Windows and Skylights

Traditional Split Heat Pumps

Whole-House Fans

Window Attachments for Solar Control and Energy Efficiency

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Extreme Heat