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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 - 14 of 14 results:

Choosing Between Oriented Strandboard and Plywood

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Fisette Paul
·
Organization(s)
University of Massachusetts,
UMASS
Description
Information sheet discussing how OSB will define the future of the structural sheathing market. OSB will define the future of the structural sheathing market. - See more at: http://bct.eco.umass.edu/publications/by-title/choosing-between-oriented-strandboard-and-plywood/#sthash.RilEtDpl.dpuf

Effect of Residential Ventilation Techniques for Hot and Humid Climates on Indoor Concentrations and Emission Rates of Volatile Organic Compounds

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Hodgson Alfred T,
Moyer Neil,
Beal David
·
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL,
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Description
A report describing six mechanical ventilation strategies that were evaluated for their ability to control indoor humidity levels over 14-day periods with simulated occupancy.

Improving Recessed Lighting

Publication Date
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Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
·
Organization(s)
DOE
Description
Report providing information about techniques and approaches to improve the efficiency of recessed lighting.

Radiant Barriers: A Question and Answer Primer

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Melody Ingrid,
Fairey Philip W,
Beal David
·
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Description
Website with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about attic radiant barriers.

Residential Dehumidification Systems Research for Hot-Humid Climates

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W,
et al.
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Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Description
Research study identifying the best performing, most energy-efficient and cost- effective techniques to provide controlled mechanical ventilation and humidity control in hot- humid climates with thermally efficient building envelopes.

Review of Residential Ventilation Technologies

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Sherman Max H,
Russell Marion
·
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL,
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Description
Document reviewing current and potential ventilation technologies for residential buildings with particular emphasis on North American climates and construction.

Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing

Publication Date
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Author(s)
National Environmental Balancing Bureau
·
Organization(s)
NEBB
Description
Webpage describing the standards, seminars, exams, etc regarding testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB).

The Facts about Clothes Dryer Exhaust Systems

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Cranor John
·
Organization(s)
American Society of Home Inspectors,
ASHI
Description
Article outlining the importance of keeping dryer exhaust ducts clean.

Ultra-Low Energy Residences

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Christian Jeffrey E
·
Organization(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
ASHRAE
Description
Case study about affordable housing in a mixed, humid climate.

Ventilation System Effectiveness and Tested Indoor Air Quality Impacts

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
Rudd Armin,
Bergey Daniel
·
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Description
This report describes how twenty homes were tested and monitored in the Zone 2 climate of Houston, Texas, U.S.A., to evaluate the humidity control performance and operating cost of six different integrated dehumidification and ventilation systems that could be applied by production homebuilders.