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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 - 18 of 18

45L Tax Credit Resource Hub - for Single-Family Homes

Author(s)
BetterBuilt Northwest,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
BetterBuiltNW,
NEEA
Publication Date
Webpage providing guidance on the 45L tax credit, assembling the most relevant information for Northwest builders to maximize their tax credit and build energy efficient homes.

Hot Water Solutions

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
NEEA
Publication Date
Website for consumers describing heat pump water heater technology and linking to retailers and installers.

Cold Climate DHP Specification

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
NEEA
Publication Date
Webpage outlining how to optimize the installations and performance of mini-split heat pump systems. As well, it discusses a set of design considerations for multi-level homes, low load homes, and heat distribution to rooms without a heat source.

Ductless Heat Pump Project

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
NEEA
Publication Date
Webpage describing the successes and ongoing efforts of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's Go Ductless ductless heat pump program which successfully encouraged the installation of more than 150,000 minisplit heat pumps in the Northwest between 2010 and 2021.

Commercial HPWH Qualified Products List

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
NEEA
Publication Date
List of multifamily commercial heat pump water heater products that meet the NEEA Advanced Water Heating Specification Requirements.

Load Calculation Tools for Ductless Heat Pumps

Author(s)
BetterBuilt Northwest,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
BetterBuiltNW,
NEEA
Publication Date
Web article describing two options for sizing ductless minisplit heat pumps, including a free HVAC sizing tool.

Advanced Water Heating Specification Version 8.0.

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
NEEA
Publication Date
Specification sheet for residential, commercial, multifamily, and industrial water heaters and heating systems.

Advanced Water Heating Specification

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
NEEA
Publication Date
Specifications for water heating systems designed to advance higher performing electric and gas heat pump water heaters.

9 Recommended Practices for Cold-Climate Ductless Heat Pump Installations

Author(s)
BetterBuilt Northwest,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
BetterBuiltNW,
NEEA
Publication Date
Web page describing essential guidelines and recommendations for optimal installation of ductless heat pumps in cold climates, ensuring maximum heating performance and long-term satisfaction for homeowners, supported by research-backed insights and detailed resources.

Avoid Deep Thermostat Setbacks with Variable Capacity Heat Pumps

Author(s)
BetterBuilt Northwest,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
BetterBuiltNW,
NEEA
Publication Date
Webpage describing how to improve a variable capacity heat pump's efficiency by not programming a deep setback on the thermostat.

HVAC Sizing Tool

Author(s)
BetterBuilt Northwest,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
BetterBuiltNW,
NEEA
Publication Date
Software tool available free online that can help calculate heating and cooling requirements to accurately size HVAC equipment in as little as 15 minutes.

Installer's Guide - Ductless Heat Pumps for Cold Climates

Author(s)
BetterBuilt Northwest,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
BetterBuiltNW,
NEEA
Publication Date
Factsheet describing techniques for installing ductless heat pumps in cold climate locations.

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...

Heat Pump Water Heater Model Validation Study

Author(s)
Ecotope,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
Ecotope,
NEEA
Publication Date
Report describing the significant potential for energy use reductions through heat pump water heaters, which have been a crucial part of Northwest power plans for decades and have recently achieved substantial savings with new integrated models and climate specifications.

Smart Water Heater Pilot

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
NEEA
Publication Date
Website providing consumers with resources to find, select and install heat pump water heaters.