Library

Webpage from FireSafe Marin explaining the different landscaping strategies near homes to lower the risk of a home's ignition from wildfire.

Fact sheet describing guidance for choosing appropriate materials and using proper construction practices when rebuilding, repairing, or renovating a home to increase its resistance to fires.

Website providing information about the Cool Roof Rating Council including programs, membership, and resources for the construction industry.

Article from Stephen L. Quarles on fire resistant decking design and materials recommendations.

Article describing codes and test methods related to fire-resistant construction of decks.

Technical fact sheet proving information on creating defensible space to reduce the risk of damage from fires to property.

Article from Green Building Advisor on strategies to take when building homes to reduce the need for air conditioning, including insulation, windows, site selection, and roofing.

Wildfire resistant home checklist from Murray Milne, a professor of architecture at UCLA, who outlines seven steps to take to improve a home's chance of survival during a wildfire.

Online database with efficiency information about residential HVAC systems and commercial refrigeration equipment.

Report identifying codes and standards that embody the concepts of resiliency.

Report outlining the issues with using existing ducts with a new low-load HVAC system, which reduces throw at supply registers causing decreased mixing of supply and room air, leading to potential thermal comfort complaints.

Article describing risks of living in wildfire-prone areas of southern California and ways to reduce risks to homes and communities.

Simple web-based tool allowing homeowners to calculate the potential savings from installing a cool roof.

Webpage describing the advantages and disadvantages of ductless mini-split air conditioner.

Webpage providing details of an experimental earth tube installation at the Clean Energy Exhibition in Georgia.

Standard providing minimum functionality requirements for earthquake-actuated automatic gas shutoff devices; applicable to systems carrying natural gas and propane, the devices are used in piping, equipment, and appliances typically found in structures of three stories or less.

Article describing earthship homes.

Document explaining requirements and recommendations for defensible space, with a focus on sloped vegetation.

A San Diego County standard highlighting the requirements for residential emergency vehicle turnarounds.

A factsheet that provides information and requirements for emergency water supplies for firefighting in Boulder County, Colorado.

This study evaluates the energy, humidity and indoor air quality implications of residential ventilation cooling in all US IECC climate zones.

Online textbook describing energy, including energy types, and energy use in homes.

Article from NAHB research center describing home building techniques for homes in hot climate zones.

Website with consumer information about residential heat pump systems.

Online reference containing general information about geothermal heat pumps.

Technical report evaluating the energy savings potential of radiative cooling technologies, particularly photonic 'selective emittance' materials.

Program criteria for central air conditioner and heat pump equipment.

Factsheet describing mini split heat pumps and their benefits for consumers.

DOE-sponsored report describing the experimental setup and results of field studies on using interior cellular shading attachments to reduce solar heat gain in summer and reduce heat loss in winter.

DOE-sponsored report describing the experimental setup and results of field studies on using exterior fabric shading attachments to reduce solar heat gain, reduce glare, and improve comfort.

DOE-sponsored report describing a study investigating the energy savings potential of cellular shades in homes.

Technical report presenting the results of an evaluation of homes using high-efficiency mini-split heat pumps to supplement the primary heating and cooling systems.

Report about an experimental evaluation conducted on a night sky cooling system designed to substantially reduce space cooling needs in homes in North American climates.

DOE-sponsored report describing a study investigating condensation buildup on windows when using insulating shades.

Webpage providing tips for installing and maintaining an evaporative cooler.

A webpage by the DOE on tips for saving energy with an evaporative cooler.

Article describing RESNET guidance on evaporative coolers.

Article describing how evaporative coolers work and how to maintain them.

Image of design wet bulb temperatures in the U.S. and where evaporative cooling is most appropriate.

Web article describing the evolution of evaporative coolers, water usage of evaporative coolers, and links to information on selecting an evaporative cooler.

Article describing a study of the potential to use heat pumps to heat and cool homes across the United States, including cold climate locations like Alaska.

Flyer from the City of Ellensburg WA describing what an excess flow valve is, how they work, and associated costs.

Website for gas utility customers describing the installation of excess flow valves to stop the flow of natural gas into a home in the event of a line rupture.

Webpage describing what excess flow valves are, how they work, and the installation process.

Utility webpage describing the monetary costs associated with excess flow valves for TECO in Florida.

Webpage with statistics on recent U.S. wildfires.

DOE webpage that gives and overview of fans for cooling.

FSEC PDF guide on effective fan types and placement in the Southeast.

An example of a commercially available thermally expansive fire stopping product for controlling the spread of fires in a rainscreen cavity.

Newsletter reviewing federal disaster policy, the research basis for resilience, and three models of building resilient communities.