Library

Report on the field evaluation of whole-building approaches and estimation of the relative contributions of select technologies toward reducing energy use related to space conditioning in new manufactured homes.

Website with information for consumers about solar thermal systems for homes.

Detailed information about Formaldehyde including health effects and strategies to reduce exposure.

Webpage describing homeowner resources program designed to strengthen homes and commercial buildings against severe weather such as high winds, hail, hurricanes, and even tornadoes.

Website providing certifications and codes for automatic gas shut off valves in the state of California.

Brochure on specifications for solar thermal systems.

Report investigating the status of the geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry and technology in the United States, assembling GHP energy savings potential, identifying key barriers to application of GHPs, and identifying actions that could accelerate adoption of GHPs.

Report about indoor air quality related to indoor mold growth.

Webpage that describes health problems that can be caused by secondhand smoke.

Provides consumers with general information on solar water heating systems and how to select a contractor.

Report providing information for HVAC designers, installers, and consumers about air source heat pumps.

Best Practices document providing an introduction to current photovoltaic and solar thermal building practices.

Research study investigating the factors influencing consumer adoption of HEDs and evaluating the resulting electricity consumption.

Article describing the factors that can lead to inefficient hot water distribution systems in homes.

Article describing considerations for choosing a room-level air cleaner to improve indoor air quality.

Report on on lessons learned from building one multifamily home to the Zero Energy Ready Home program requirements.

PDF detailing the inspection and verification guidance for WaterSense labeled new homes including indoor and outdoor efficiency requirements, and homeowner and building management education.

Report showing installers how to attach ducts, pipes, and associated equipment to buildings to minimize earthquake damage.

Fact sheet describing principles of insulating steam distribution and condensate return lines as an effective way to prevent energy loss.

Article discussing indoor water management.

Website describing best practices for minimizing exposure to lead while doing repairs and renovations in homes built in 1978 or earlier.

Information about LED lighting technology.

The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies.

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

Report summarizing a case study about the performance of three occupied homes built in 2009 in San Antonio, Texas.

RESNET standards aimed to ensure that accurate and consistent home energy ratings are performed by accredited home energy rating providers through their raters nationwide.

Webpage outlining important considerations when remodeling, including for maintaining healthy air and keeping radon, dirt, and moisture out.

Webpage describing water treatment standards as related to residential drinking water filters.

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.

Brochure describing multiple earthquake safety measures for homeowners to take, including home reinforcement, evacuation tips, and electrical and appliance tips.

Brochure describing multiple flood safety measures for homeowners to take, including home renovation suggestions, yard maintenance, and additional resources.

Brochure describing multiple storm surge (coastal flooding) safety measures for homeowners to take, including home renovation suggestions, yard maintenance, and recovery advice.

Brochure describing multiple earthquake safety measures for homeowners to take, including home reinforcement, exterior maintenance, and recovery tips.

Report presenting ways public housing authorities (PHAs) can develop packages of energy efficiency retrofit measures the PHAs can cost-effectively implement with their own staff in the normal course of housing operations at the time when units are refurbished between occupancies.

Table calculating friction losses of PVC pipe fittings.

Table calculating friction losses for PVC pipe by length.

Document with important building science considerations, designed for members of the residential construction and remodeling industries, as well as owners and managers who work in affordable housing.

Information about recycling CFL lightbulbs.

A report presenting alternative approaches for reducing the costs of roof-mounted, grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Field manual describing measures to reduce potential hazards and damages caused by and to nonstructural components of a building such as HVAC, appliances, lighting, windows, and furniture during an earthquake.

When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from foodborne illness, one of your most effective tools is the kitchen refrigerator.

Fact sheet describing an alternative to piles in V Zones and A Zones in coastal areas where soil properties preclude pile installation, but the need for an “open foundation system” still exists and recommendations for good masonry practices in coastal environments; also published in FEMA P-499 “Home...

Website with information and research about residential hot water distribution systems.

This project analyzed combined condensing water heaters or boilers and hydronic air coils to provide high efficiency domestic hot water (DHW) and forced air space heating. Called "combi" systems, they provided similar space and water heating performance less expensively than installing two...

Article from the Institute of Biological Engineering describing reverse osmosis water softeners.

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.

Factsheet describing air-sealing.

Website with consumer information about duct cleaning.

A website discussing the use of consumer-grade small electric wind systems such as turbines to lower energy costs.

Initiatives of smoke-free housing policies in New York State.