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Library

This library contains research reports produced by the Building America program and other building science resources used to support this Solution Center. The materials cover both new construction and existing homes. Use the search box and/or the filters to explore hundreds of residential building resources. Access to some references not produced by Building America may require purchase from the publisher. Documents are listed alphabetically. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

Showing results 1 - 50 of 55

A guide to residential energy storage and rooftop solar: State net metering policies and utility rate tariff structures

Author(s)
Kerby Jessica,
Tarekegne Bethel
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Article describing utility rates, net metering policies, installation costs, financial incentives, and other info for both consumers who are interested in installing renewable energy systems and for energy justice and clean energy advocates.

Achieving Ducts in Conditioned Space

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
NREL,
DOE
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing best strategies to bring ductwork on single-story homes with a slab-on-grade foundation in hot, dry climates into the conditioned envelope of the home intending to highlight the pros and cons of multiple ductwork integration strategies, including traditional duct systems in...

Advanced HVAC Humidity Control for Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)
Mallay David
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
The research report outlines a practical and cost-effective strategy utilizing central HVAC systems to optimize humidity control and ventilation in energy-efficient homes located in hot-humid climates, demonstrating significant improvements without requiring complex equipment upgrades.

Air Leakage in Recessed Lighting

Author(s)
Van der Meer Bill
Organization(s)
Pennsylvania Housing Research/Resource Center,
PHRC
Publication Date
Recessed lighting is here to stay. If installed incorrectly they may contribute to air leakage and compromise building integrity.

An Integrated Control Method for Supplemental Minisplit Heat Pumps in Existing Homes

Author(s)
Fenaughty Karen,
Martin Eric,
Nigusse Bereket,
Parker Danny S
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
University of Central Florida,
UCF
Publication Date
Technical report describing how the FSEC Energy Research Center explores low-cost space-conditioning upgrades for existing homes by integrating centrally located, high-efficiency ductless mini split heat pumps with older but functional central space conditioning systems, aiming to achieve energy...

Attic Retrofits Using Nail-Base Insulated Panels

Author(s)
Mallay David,
Kochkin Vladimir
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Home Innovation Research Labs,
HIRL
Publication Date
This report outlines research activities that are expected to facilitate the adoption of energy retrofits by remodeling contractors and roofing contractors using retrofit panels which applicable to many existing house designs in most climates and markets.

Basement Insulation Systems, BA-0202

Author(s)
Building Science Corporation
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Report describing approaches to insulating basements in homes built to meet Energy Star levels of performance of heat loss reduction.

Best Practices for the Retrofit Installation of Heat Pump Water Heaters

Author(s)
Richard Health & Associates
Organization(s)
RHA
Publication Date
Report describing the best practices for the safe, efficient, and compliant installation of residential air source heat pump water heaters (HPWH) in California, aligning with the state's climate goals and providing guidance for educators, installers, and industry stakeholders.

Buried and Encapsulated Ducts, Jacksonville Florida

Author(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
CARB,
DOE
Publication Date
Reference investigating the strategy of using buried and/or encapsulated ducts to reduce duct thermal losses in residential buildings.

Classic Rib® Install Guide

Author(s)
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation
Organization(s)
MS Manufacturing Corporation
Publication Date
Installation manual for installing metal panel siding.

Construction Defects – Mortar Bridging and Mortar Droppings Still Plague the Industry

Author(s)
Stephan Bill
Organization(s)
Metropolitan Engineering Consulting & Forensics,
MECF
Publication Date
Article about how mortar droppings during the installation of a brick veneer can clog the weep holes in the wall assembly causing moisture damage. The article also illustrates products that can be installed in the ventilated cavity to mitigate this problem.

Construction Guide - Next Generation High Performance Walls in Climate Zones 3-5 Part 2: 2x4 Walls with 1” to 1.5” Exterior Insulative Sheathing

Author(s)
Kochkin Vladimir,
Wiehagen Joseph
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
The Guide addresses walls constructed with 2x4 wood frame studs, wood structural panel sheathing (WSP) as wall bracing and added backing for foam sheathing, a layer of rigid foam sheathing insulation up to 1.5 inches thick over the WSP, and a cladding system installed over the foam sheathing in low...

Construction Instruction

Author(s)
Construction Instruction Experience Center
Organization(s)
CIEC
Publication Date
Website providing building science based guidance for residential construction.

Controlling Cold-Weather Condensation Using Insulation, BSD-163

Author(s)
Straube John
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Article describing research encouraging use of exterior insulation to warm interior sheathing surfaces in walls and roof assemblies to reduce the likelihood of condensation during cold weather

Crawlspace Insulation

Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy,
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Organization(s)
ORNL,
SEI,
DOE
Publication Date
Information sheet about crawlspace insulation, including installation details.

Deep Energy Retrofits - Lessons learned

Author(s)
Less Brennan,
Walker Iain S
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
Part of a larger LBNL report (Deep Energy Retrofit Guidance for the Building America Solutions Center), the Lessons Learned chapter focuses on successful deep energy retrofit projects throughout the U.S.

Energy Renovations Insulation - A Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners, Volume 17

Author(s)
Baechler Michael C,
Adams Karen T,
Hefty Marye G,
Gilbride Theresa L,
Love Pat M
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Document providing descriptions of the many insulation options available to homeowners, along with guidance on where, when, and how to install insulation throughout your house.

Exterior Insulation Implications on Heating and Cooling in Cold Climates

Author(s)
Herk Anastasia,
Poerschke Andrew
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS
Publication Date
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is interested in finding cost-effective solutions for deep energy retrofits (DERs) related to exterior wall insulation in a cold climate, with targets of 50% peak load reduction and 50% space conditioning energy savings.

HardiPlank Lap Siding Butt Joint Flashing

Author(s)
Fratzel Todd
Organization(s)
Home Construction and Improvement
Publication Date
A article about the best practice method of installing fiber cement siding, to install flashing at the butt joints of the siding boards, rather than face caulking the butt joints afterwards.

Heat Pump Water Heater Installation Best Practices Guide

Author(s)
Hot Water Solutions NW,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
HWS NW,
NEEA
Publication Date
Report describing the advantages and best practices for installing heat pump water heaters (HPWH), highlighting their improved energy efficiency, reliability, and critical considerations such as condensate management, proper sizing, and optimal installation location to enhance performance and...

How to Install Cellulose Insulation

Author(s)
Holladay Martin
Organization(s)
Green Building Advisor,
GBA
Publication Date
Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

Insulation: A Guide to Proper Installation

Author(s)
North America Insulation Manufacturers Association,
Insulation Institute
Organization(s)
NAIMA
Publication Date
Website providing builders with information about meeting RESNET Grade 1 criteria when installing insulation.

JM Spider® Drill & Fill Installation Guide

Author(s)
Johns Manville
Organization(s)
Johns Manville
Publication Date
The purpose for this document is to provide basic guidance on the use of proven installation techniques that can be used by installers to help ensure correct “dense pack” application of JM Spider® in drill & fill applications.

Needs of Non Energy-Focused Contractors

Author(s)
Liaukus Christine
Organization(s)
Building America Retrofit Alliance,
BARA,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report investigating what motivates remodelers to become energy-focused and what technical knowledge that need to be energy-focused.

New Life for Old Double Hung Windows

Author(s)
Davis John Michael
Organization(s)
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Publication Date
An article about double-hung windows.

NFPA 70: National Electric Code

Author(s)
National Fire Protection Association
Organization(s)
NFPA
Publication Date
This standard provides a benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards and has been adopted in all 50 states.

Preparing for the Worst: DOE’s Building America Solution Center Disaster Resistance Tool

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Fact sheet poster describing an online tool offered within the Building America Solution Center which provides construction guidance for builders and contractors in building and renovating homes to be more resistant to natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes and wildfires, etc.

Refrigerant Leak Prevention: Best Practices – Tech Tip

Author(s)
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Organization(s)
NYSERDA
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing best practices in installing leak-free refrigerant systems, including specifics on creating flare joints and brazed joints, pressure testing, vacuum testing, and charging the system with refrigerant.

Rooftop Solar Panel Attachment: Design, Installation, and Maintenance

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Recovery advisory guide providing guidance on existing code requirements as well as recommend best practices for attachment design, installation, and maintenance of rooftop solar panels to increase panel wind resistance in the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Maria.

Sensitivity Analysis of Installation Faults on Heat Pump Performance

Author(s)
Piotr Domanski,
Hugh Henderson,
Payne W Vance
Organization(s)
National Institute of Standards and Technology,
NIST
Publication Date
Technical study exploring the impact of different installation faults on heat pump performance in a single-family house.

Sidewall Blowing Tips and Tricks

Author(s)
Wisconsin Focus on Energy
Organization(s)
Wisconsin Focus on Energy
Publication Date
High-density sidewall cavity insulation can be a major comfort and savings boost. It saves energy by slowing both conductive and convective losses, but only if the right things are done and done right. This always requires site-specific thinking.

Solar Photovoltaic - Specification, Checklist and Guide

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Guidelines to assist builders in designing and constructing homes equipped with a set of features that make the installation of solar energy systems after the completion of the home’s construction easier and less expensive.

Technology Fact Sheet: Weather-Resistive Barriers

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.

The HPWH Handbook: Optimum Installation Practices and Answers to Lingering Research Questions

Author(s)
Widder Sarah H,
Larson Ben
Organization(s)
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy,
ACEEE,
Cadeo Group LLC,
Ecotope Inc.
Publication Date
Conference paper summarizing the relative performance of currently available Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) models, the energy implications of different installation locations (garage, basement, or conditioned space) and ducting configurations (exhaust ducting, full ducting, or no ducting), as well...

Types of Insulation

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Information sheet about types and installation of insulation.