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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 - 33 of 33

40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Hot-Dry and Mixed-Dry Climates, Volume 9

Author(s)
Baechler Michael C,
Gilbride Theresa L,
Hefty Marye G,
Williamson Jennifer,
Ruiz Kathi,
Bartlett Rosemarie,
Love Pat M
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report providing builders in the hot-dry and mixed-dry climates with guidance for building homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Hot-Humid Climate, Volume 15

Author(s)
Baechler Michael C,
Gilbride Theresa L,
Hefty Marye G,
Cole Pam C,
Adams Karen T,
Noonan Chrissy F,
Love Pat M
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
A guidebook helping builders design and construct homes that are among the most energy efficient available, while addressing issues such as building durability, indoor air quality, and occupant health, safety, and comfort. Measures described in this guide can help builders in the hot-humid climate...

40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Mixed-Humid Climate, Volume 16

Author(s)
Baechler Michael C,
Gilbride Theresa L,
Hefty Marye G,
Cole Pam C,
Adams Karen T,
Butner Ryan S,
Ortiz S J,
Love Pat M
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report describing measures that builders in mixed-humid climates can use to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

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.

Accelerating Residential Building Decarbonization: Market Guidance to Scale Zero-Carbon-Aligned Buildings

Author(s)
Webster Brett,
Satre-Meloy Aven,
Badger Leslie,
Donovan Alison,
Lane Damon,
McGrath Kevin,
Wilson Eric,
Reyna Janet,
Metzger Cheryn E,
Pilet Tyler J,
Campbell Martha,
Toffoli Lucas
Organization(s)
Advanced Building Construction Collaborative,
ABC Collaborative,
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Rocky Mountain Institute,
RMI,
Vermont Energy Investment Corporation,
VEIC
Publication Date
Report providing product manufacturers, fabricators, contractors and installers, design professionals, owners, and real estate developers with technical performance and cost guidance for scalable zero-carbon-aligned new construction pathways and retrofit packages to achieve zero carbon retrofits and...

Adding Insulation when Re-Siding

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Fact sheet poster describing how to add exterior, continuous, rigid insulation to the exterior walls when replacing siding on an existing home.

BSC Information - Pan Flashing for Exterior Wall Openings for All Climates, Sheet 302

Author(s)
Burkett Lena,
Cole Pam C,
Kaiser David,
Rosemiller Gil
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs,
CRA,
Colorado Code Consulting,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Webinar answering code-related questions on duct leakage tests, moisture levels in attics and crawlspaces, combustion equipment in conditioned attics, ventilation in multifamily buildings, and continuous insulation in residential construction.

Building America Guidance for Identifying and Overcoming Code, Standard, and Rating Method Barriers

Author(s)
Cole Pam C,
Halverson Mark A
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Guidance document providing BA research teams and partners with specific information and approaches to identifying and overcoming potential barriers to Building America (BA) innovations arising in and/or stemming from codes, standards, and rating methods.

Development and Validation of Home Comfort System for Total Performance Deficiency/ Fault Detection and Optimal Comfort Control

Author(s)
Jiang Yilin,
Wang Junke,
Song Li,
Tang Choon Yik,
Wang Gang,
Brambley Michael,
Ejenakevwe Kevwe
Organization(s)
University of Oklahoma,
University of Miami,
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report examining the use of smart thermostat data to detect performance degradation and optimize comfort control in home AC systems.

DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Fact sheet poster describing benefits and qualification of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) certified Zero Energy Ready Homes and providing eight examples of certified homes.

Double or TDouble or Triple? Factors Influencing the Window Purchasing Decisions of High-Performance Home Buildersriple? Factors Influencing the Window Purchasing Decisions of High-Performance Home Builders

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L,
Selkowitz Stephen,
Dingus Olivia G,
Cort Katherine A
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Technical report describing a market assessment conducted on new home builders' window purchasing practices revealing insights to inform the development of thin triple-pane windows, utilizing a center pane of thin glass and krypton gas fill to achieve the performance of standard triple-pane windows...

Energy Rated for Added Comfort: AERC-Certified Window Attachments

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Fact sheet poster describing the certification of window attachment products such as storm windows, roller shades, cellular shade, and solar screens by the Attachment Energy Rating Council (AERC).

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.

Energy Savings Potential of Radiative Cooling Technologies

Author(s)
Fernandez Nick,
Wang Weimin,
Alvine Kyle J,
Katipamula Srinivas
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Technical report evaluating the energy savings potential of radiative cooling technologies, particularly photonic 'selective emittance' materials.

Evaluation of Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes

Author(s)
Peterson Joseph M,
Sullivan Greg P,
Cort Katherine A,
Merzouk Massine B,
Weber JM
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Report describing the methods and results of a field evaluation of the energy performance of cellular shade window coverings.

Evaluation of Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes

Author(s)
Sullivan Greg P,
Cort Katherine A,
Merzouk Massine B,
Metzger Cheryn E,
Petersen Joseph M
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
DOE-sponsored report describing the experimental setup and results of field studies on using interior cellular shading attachments to reduce solar heat gain in summer and reduce heat loss in winter.

Evaluation of Exterior Shades at PNNL Lab Homes and Occupied Field Sites

Author(s)
Cort Katherine A,
Hunt Walter E
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
DOE-sponsored report describing the experimental setup and results of field studies on using exterior fabric shading attachments to reduce solar heat gain, reduce glare, and improve comfort.

Evaluation of Interior Low-E Storm Windows in the PNNL Lab Homes

Author(s)
Petersen Joseph M
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Report describing a research study of the performance of interior low-E storm windows in two test houses at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA.

Evaluation of Low-e Storm Windows in the PNNL Lab Homes

Author(s)
Widder Sarah H,
Knox J R
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Report describing a research study into the performance of Low-E storm windows installed in two test homes at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington state.

Evaluation of the Thermal and Moisture Performance of Insulating Shades

Author(s)
Cort Katherine A,
Pilet Tyler J,
Mullaly Stephen,
Bauer Eric
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
DOE-sponsored report describing a study investigating condensation buildup on windows when using insulating shades.

High Hats, Swiss Cheese, and Fluorescent Lighting?

Author(s)
McCullough Jeff J,
Gordon Kelly L
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Report discussing the potential energy savings of new high-efficiency downlights, and the results of product testing to date.

High Performance Home Technologies: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems, Volume 6

Author(s)
Baechler Michael C,
Gilbride Theresa L,
Ruiz Kathi,
Steward Heidi,
Love Pat M
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report providing an introduction to current photovoltaic and solar thermal building practices.

HVAC A Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners, Volume 14

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L,
Baechler Michael C,
Hefty Marye G,
Hand James R,
Love Pat M
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report providing information about energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) equipment options to help homeowners cut their energy use, reduce their carbon footprint, and increase their homes comfort, health, and safety.

Interaction between Heat Pump Water Heaters or Other Internal Point Source Loads and a Central Heating System

Author(s)
Widder Sarah H,
Metzger Cheryn E,
McIntosh Joshua A,
Petersen Joseph M
Organization(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance,
NEEA,
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Report describing the objective evaluation of space conditioning interactions between heat pump water heaters and home heating systems during winter 2016-2017, revealing a smaller than anticipated impact on space conditioning loads.

Low Cost Interior Duct Systems for High Performance Homes in Hot Climates

Author(s)
Fonorow Ken,
Jenkins Dave,
Thomas-Rees Stephanie,
Chandra Subrato
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC,
Florida Home Energy and Resources Organization,
Florida HERO,
Energy Smart Home Plans,
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Document presenting a cost effective method that was used by four builders in the Gainesville, FL area to construct interior ducts in over a dozen site built homes.

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.

Review of Residential Comfort Control Products and Opportunities

Author(s)
Metzger Cheryn E,
Goyal Siddharth,
Baechler Michael C
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
This research paper outlines residential HVAC advanced controls and sensors. It includes a technology review, applications, maintenance and commissioning, occupant behavior and a summary of the state-of-the-art technologies for advanced controls for residential HVAC.

Testing the Performance and Dynamic Control of Energy-Efficient Cellular Shades in the PNNL Lab Homes

Author(s)
Cort Katherine A,
McIntosh Joshua A,
Sullivan Greg P,
Ashley Travis A,
Metzger Cheryn E,
Fernandez Nicholas
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Efficiency Solutions
Publication Date
DOE-sponsored report describing the experimental design and results of testing the energy performance of Hunter Douglas double-cell cellular shades under various control schemes in the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Lab Homes.

The Home Improvement Expert

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Fact sheet poster describing a series of fact sheets and checklists for homeowners to share with contractors to help achieve cost-effective, energy-efficient retrofits for dozens of common home renovation projects.

Thin Triple-Pane Windows: Coming Soon to a Hardware Store Near You!

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Fact sheet poster describing the energy efficiency and comfort benefits of thin triple-pane windows as compared to standard triple-pane and double-pane windows.

Window Attachments Offer Added Savings

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Fact sheet poster describing and comparing the energy-saving and comfort benefits of window attachment options such as low-emissivity storm windows, automated blinds, cellular shades, and solar screens, etc.