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Library

Explore this extensive library of building science guidance including research reports from DOE’s Building America program as well as hundreds of other articles, fact sheets, webpages, and reference documents related to constructing and renovating homes.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results:

9 Recommended Practices for Cold-Climate Ductless Heat Pump Installations

Publication Date
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Author(s)
BetterBuilt Northwest,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
·
Organization(s)
BetterBuiltNW,
NEEA
Description
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.

Achieving Ducts in Conditioned Space

Publication Date
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Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
·
Organization(s)
NREL,
DOE
Description
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...

ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380: Standard for Testing Airtightness of Building, Dwelling Unit, and Sleeping Unit Enclosures; Airtightness of Heating and Cooling Air Distribution Systems; and Airflow of Mechanical Ventilation Systems

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
American National Standards Institute,
Residential Energy Services Network,
International Code Council
·
Organization(s)
ANSI,
RESNET,
ICC
Description
This ANSI/RESNET/ICC standard provides a consistent, uniform methodology for evaluating the airtightness of building, dwelling unit, and sleeping unit enclosures and heating and cooling air distribution systems, and the air flows of mechanical ventilation systems.

Attic Ventilation

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Home Ventilating Institute
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Organization(s)
HVI
Description
Web page describing the benefits of attic fans, with rules for sizing fans and intake vents.

Builder's Guide to Cold Climates

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Description
Book presenting the best techniques for energy and resource efficient residential construction in the colder climates of North America.

Flood Cleanup Infographic

Publication Date
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Author(s)
US Environmental Protection Agency
·
Organization(s)
EPA
Description
This document includes tips for safely and effectively cleaning up a home after a flood. It is available in several languages.

Guide to Determining Climate Zone by County: Building America and IECC 2021 Updates

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L,
et al.
·
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Description
Report identifying Building America and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code climate zone designations for every county in the United States; where a county's climate zone designation has changed since the 2018 IECC, that change is indicated as well.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Publication Date
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Author(s)
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Organization(s)
USDA
Description
Interactive map maintained by the USDA showing plant hardiness zones throughout the U.S.