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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 64

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Guide providing information for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and how to prevent mold growth.
Author(s)
Kerby Jessica,
Tarekegne Bethel
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL
Publication Date
Description
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.
Author(s)
Aeroseal
Organization(s)
Aeroseal
Publication Date
Description
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.
Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
SEI
Publication Date
Description
Brochure describing the benefits of air-sealing for homeowners.
Author(s)
APA - The Engineered Wood Association
Organization(s)
American Plywood Association,
APA
Publication Date
Description
Website homepage of APA – The Engineered Wood Association, a nonprofit trade association combining the research efforts of scientists and engineers, APA promotes new solutions and improved processes that benefit the entire industry.
Author(s)
Hammer & Hand
Organization(s)
Hammer & Hand
Publication Date
Description
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.
Author(s)
Werling Eric
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Report presenting the building america research to market plan.
Author(s)
Calwell Chris,
Horowitz Noah
Organization(s)
Massachusetts Department of Energy,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Home Energy Magazine,
State of Massachusetts
Publication Date
Description
Article describing customer tip sheet and how ceiling fans are one of the most popular and generally well regarded of all home energy efficiency features.
Author(s)
The Cadmus Group
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
HUD
Publication Date
Description
This is a guide for establishing smoke-free policies in public housing and multifamily properties.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A website explaining the various shades of light, from warm to cool colors, with a visual diagram illustrating the various shades of light.
Author(s)
Beach Robert,
Poerschke Andrew
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Report describing how space-conditioning systems are operating in the field and if these systems are meeting required standards.
Author(s)
Herk Anastasia,
Beggs Timothy
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS,
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
Description
Report outlining the steps developers can take to create high-performance standards on a community-wide scale.
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Organization(s)
HUD
Publication Date
Description
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.
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Poster describing earthquake safety tips and protection measures to take at home.
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
Description
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.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
Website providing consumer information about ceiling fans, including specifications and buying guidance.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Informational guide describing the benefits, functionality, and cost savings of ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heaters, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting incentives.
Author(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center
Organization(s)
FSEC
Publication Date
Description
Website with information for consumers about solar thermal systems for homes.
Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Detailed information about Formaldehyde including health effects and strategies to reduce exposure.
Author(s)
Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
Organization(s)
IBHS
Publication Date
Description
Webpage describing homeowner resources program designed to strengthen homes and commercial buildings against severe weather such as high winds, hail, hurricanes, and even tornadoes.
Author(s)
Hughes Patrick J
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
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.
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
Description
Webpage that describes health problems that can be caused by secondhand smoke.
Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Organization(s)
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Provides consumers with general information on solar water heating systems and how to select a contractor.
Author(s)
Natural Resources Canada
Organization(s)
Natural Resources Canada
Publication Date
Description
Report providing information for HVAC designers, installers, and consumers about air source heat pumps.
Author(s)
LaMarche Janelle,
Cheney Kate,
Akers Craig,
Roth Kurt,
Sachs Olga
Organization(s)
Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems,
Fraunhofer CSE,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Research study investigating the factors influencing consumer adoption of HEDs and evaluating the resulting electricity consumption.
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Information about LED lighting technology.
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Description
A website explaining why homeowners should install ENERGY STAR certified lightbulbs, which helps to save homeowners on utility bills and protect the environment.
Author(s)
RESNET
Organization(s)
RESNET
Publication Date
Description
RESNET standards aimed to ensure that accurate and consistent home energy ratings are performed by accredited home energy rating providers through their raters nationwide.
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
Description
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.
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Brochure describing multiple earthquake safety measures for homeowners to take, including home reinforcement, evacuation tips, and electrical and appliance tips.
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Brochure describing multiple flood safety measures for homeowners to take, including home renovation suggestions, yard maintenance, and additional resources.
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Brochure describing multiple storm surge (coastal flooding) safety measures for homeowners to take, including home renovation suggestions, yard maintenance, and recovery advice.
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Brochure describing multiple earthquake safety measures for homeowners to take, including home reinforcement, exterior maintenance, and recovery tips.
Author(s)
Dentz Jordan,
Conlin Francis,
Podorson David,
Alaigh Kunal,
Davis T
Organization(s)
Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions,
ARIES,
Levy Partnership,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
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.
Author(s)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Organization(s)
FDA
Publication Date
Description
When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from foodborne illness, one of your most effective tools is the kitchen refrigerator.
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
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...
Author(s)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
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.