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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 60

10 Tips for New Construction or Remodeling

Author(s)
American Lung Association
Organization(s)
American Lung Association
Publication Date
Document outlining important factors for homeowners to be aware of regarding healthy air in homes.

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Guide providing information for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth.

Aeroseal: Our Process

Author(s)
Aeroseal
Organization(s)
Aeroseal
Publication Date
A website explaining the process of sealing a home with Aeroseal & how the technology is used to seal holes in the air ducts and vents of the home.

An Update on Formaldehyde

Author(s)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Organization(s)
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Publication Date
Updated detailed information about Formaldehyde.

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2020, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
American National Standards Institute,
ANSI
Publication Date
Standard 55 specifies conditions for acceptable thermal environments and is intended for use in design, operation, and commissioning of buildings and other occupied spaces. This is the current version of the standard, which was published in the year 2021, and is available for preview and purchase at...

Best Practices Manual

Author(s)
Hammer & Hand
Organization(s)
Hammer & Hand
Publication Date
This Best Practices Manual is the product of Hammer & Hand’s ongoing work to document and internally codify our standard operating procedures for construction practice.

Builder's Guide to Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)
Lstiburek
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation
Publication Date
The Builder's Guide provides the building industry with the latest and best practical information on how to apply building science principles to structures as systems in hot-humid climate regions.

Change Is In the Air

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Publication Date
This is a guide for establishing smoke-free policies in public housing and multifamily properties.

Color and Mood

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
A website explaining the various shades of light, from warm to cool colors, with a visual diagram illustrating the various shades of light.

Consumer Tips for a Post-Disaster Home Restoration

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Organization(s)
HUD
Publication Date
Brochure helping homeowners identify hazards, work with contractors to remove the hazards, help ensure the work is done properly, and educate when they can return safely to the home.

CSA 6.19-01 (R2016) - Residential carbon monoxide alarming devices

Author(s)
Canadian Standards Association International,
CSA Group
Organization(s)
CSA International,
CSA Group
Publication Date
Standard covering provisions for electrically operated single- and multiple-station carbon monoxide (CO) alarming devices used in various types of residential occupancies to protect against acute effects of exposure to CO. This version of the standard, originally published in 2001 and revised in...

CSA 6.19-17 (R2022) - Residential carbon monoxide alarming devices

Author(s)
CSA Group
Organization(s)
CSA Group
Publication Date
Standard covering provisions for electrically operated single- and multiple-station carbon monoxide (CO) alarming devices used in various types of residential occupancies to protect against acute effects of exposure to CO. This version of the standard, originally published in 2017 and revised in...

Energy Efficient Low-Income Housing Program

Author(s)
ADM Associates,
Texas A&M University,
FSEC,
University of Nebraska,
LBNL
Organization(s)
California Energy Commission
Publication Date
Research project addressing low-cost options that reduce monthly energy costs and improve the quality of life by enhancing comfort levels in low-income homes.

Energy Saver

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Website from the U.S. Department of Energy providing consumers with information on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies.

ENERGY STAR Certified Ceiling Fans for Consumers

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Website providing consumer information about ceiling fans, including specifications and buying guidance.

Energy Star: Light Bulbs

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
A website explaining why homeowners should install ENERGY STAR certified lightbulbs, which helps to save homeowners on utility bills and protect the environment.

FEMA 528: Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Poster describing earthquake safety tips and protection measures to take at home.

FEMA P-388 CD – Safe Room Resources

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
A CD guide intended to help communities mitigate damage or loss from tornadoes and other extremewind events, and provide public information resources for conveying the importance of safe room construction.

Formaldehyde

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Detailed information about Formaldehyde including health effects and strategies to reduce exposure.

Getting the Most from Your Fan

Author(s)
Calwell Chris,
Horowitz Noah
Organization(s)
Home Energy Magazine
Publication Date
Online article describing how ceiling fans are one of the most popular and generally well regarded of all home energy efficiency features.

Health Problems Caused by Secondhand Smoke

Author(s)
Office on Smoking and Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Organization(s)
OSH,
NCCDPHP,
CDC
Publication Date
Webpage that describes health problems that can be caused by secondhand smoke.

Healthy Homes Manual: Smoke-Free Policies in Multiunit Housing

Author(s)
National Center for Environmental Health,
Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Organization(s)
NCEH,
DEHSP,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
HHS,
CDC
Publication Date
This manual is designed for state and local healthy homes programs that are working to reduce secondhand smoke exposure in multiunit housing. The manual provides field-tested strategies, recommendations, best practices, and tools.

Heat your Water with the Sun

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Organization(s)
NREL
Publication Date
Provides consumers with general information on solar water heating systems and how to select a contractor.

Heating and Cooling With a Heat Pump

Author(s)
Natural Resources Canada
Organization(s)
Natural Resources Canada
Publication Date
Report providing information for HVAC designers, installers, and consumers about air source heat pumps.

Installing and Operating an Efficient Swimming Pool Pump

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
You can save energy and maintain a comfortable swimming pool temperature by using a smaller, higher efficiency pump and by operating it less.

Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rules

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
EPA’s 2008 Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule (as amended in 2010 and 2011), aims to protect the public from lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation, repair and painting activities.

LED Lighting

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies.

LED Lighting Basics

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Information about LED lighting technology.

Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards

Author(s)
RESNET
Organization(s)
RESNET
Publication Date
RESNET standards aimed to ensure that accurate and consistent home energy ratings are performed by accredited home energy rating providers through their raters nationwide.

Pest Prevention by Design: Authoritative Guidelines for Designing Pests out of Structures

Author(s)
Geiger Chris A,
Cox Caroline
Organization(s)
San Francisco Department of the Environment,
SF Environment,
Center for Environmental Health,
CEH,
International Code Council,
ICC
Publication Date
Report providing detailed steps for builders, architects, and property managers to take for integrated pest management for control of a variety of pests including insects, rodents, and birds.

Protect Your Property from Earthquakes

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Brochure describing multiple earthquake safety measures for homeowners to take, including home reinforcement, evacuation tips, and electrical and appliance tips.

Protect Your Property from Flooding

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Brochure describing multiple flood safety measures for homeowners to take, including home renovation suggestions, yard maintenance, and additional resources.

Protect Your Property from Storm Surge

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Brochure describing multiple storm surge (coastal flooding) safety measures for homeowners to take, including home renovation suggestions, yard maintenance, and recovery advice.

Protect Your Property from Wildfires

Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Brochure describing multiple earthquake safety measures for homeowners to take, including home reinforcement, exterior maintenance, and recovery tips.