Browse by Category | Building America Solution Center

Guide describing effective ways to distribute hot water using either a core (compact) plumbing layout or a central homerun manifold piping system.

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

Guide describing how to apply water management strategies to below-grade walls.

Guide describing how to properly construct decks and other building attachments to be resistant to ignition in the event of a wildfire.

Guide describing how to effectively create defensible space between a residence and potential wildfire fuels in high-risk fire hazard areas.

Guide describing the use of recirculation pumps to speed the flow of hot water to faucets for reduced wait times and savings in energy and water usage.

Information guide describing flood protection measures to minimize damage and increase structural resilience of homes during a flood.

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

Information guide describing defensible space, fire-resistant materials, and other features to include when designing and building a home for wildfire resistance.

An information guide describing design considerations for improving occupant safety and minimizing windstorm property damage in new homes in high-wind and hurricane-prone areas.

Guide describing categories of direct-vent combustion space- and water-heating equipment and combustion safety testing.

Guide describing the installation of roof vents that are resistant to damage from high winds and entry of wind-borne rain, wildfire embers, or pests.

Guide describing how to install dishwashers in new and existing homes.

Guide describing strategies for effectively deploying integrated consumer heat pump water heaters (HPWH) in multifamily buildings.

Information guide describing the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, Version 1, requirements for high-performance windows.

Guide describing construction and insulation techniques for double wall framing.

Guide describing air barrier installation, insulation installation, and air-sealing for double walls (half or full walls included in a home design as an architectural feature that provides a more dimensional appearance).

Guide describing basic steps for designing a drainback solar hot water system.

Guide describing installation of sump pumps in the basement or crawlspace of a home.

Guide describing installation of a fully sealed continuous weather resistant barrier to provide a drainage plane to keep rainwater out of above-grade walls.

Guide describing EPA WaterSense requirements for drinking water treatment systems including water softeners.

Guide describing how to insulate and air-seal dropped ceilings and soffits to prevent air leakage.

Guide describing how to conduct duct leakage tests on all components of the HVAC system (including the air handler, ductwork, register boxes/boots, and all air devices such as diffusers, registers, or grilles).

Guide describing the use of ducted returns to return stale air from bedrooms and bathrooms to a central heating system.

Core and Manifold Plumbing

Creating a Cool Room for Extreme Heat Events

Damp-Proof Exterior Surface of Below-Grade Walls

Decks are Wildfire-Resistant

Defensible Space for Protection Against Wildfires

Demand Plumbing

Design and Retrofit for Flood Protection

Design for Extreme Heat

Design for Wildfire Resistance

Design for Windstorm and Tornado Protection

Direct Vent Equipment

Disaster-Resistant Roof Venting

Dishwashers

Distributed Heat Pump Water Heaters for Multifamily Buildings

DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Window Requirements

Double Walls for More Insulation

Double-Wall Architectural Feature

Drain Back – Solar Hot Water

Drain or Sump Pump Installed in Basements or Crawlspaces

Drainage Plane Behind Exterior Wall Cladding

Drinking Water Treatment Systems

Dropped Ceiling/Soffit Below Unconditioned Attic

Duct Leakage to Outdoors

Ducted Returns

Filter