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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 - 20 of 20 results:

2021 IBC and IRC Adopt Improved Vapor Retarder Requirements

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Crandell Jay H
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Organization(s)
Applied Building Technology Group,
ABTG
Description
Article describing vapor retarder requirements in the International Residential Code and International Building Code 2021.

AC Coupled for Blackout Protection? No Thanks

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Soltaro
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Organization(s)
Soltaro
Description
Website article comparing DC and AC batteries and explaining that DC batteries have black start ability to restart from solar power while providing AC batteries need grid power to restart if fully discharged.

AC vs. DC Coupling Energy Storage Systems

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Miller Lucas
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Organization(s)
Mayfield Renewables
Description
Website article describing the advantages and disadvantages of AC and DC battery energy storage systems and inverters for solar power systems.

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Comparison

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Clean Energy Reviews
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Organization(s)
CER
Description
Website providing comparison charts and reviews of battery energy storage systems for solar power systems.

Battery Storage for Resilience

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Elgqvist Emma
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Organization(s)
NREL
Description
Fact sheet providing information on building-scale and utility-scale battery storage for disaster resistance.

Choose A Light Guide

Publication Date
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Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
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Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Description
A simple three-step guide for homeowners who are looking to replace existing light bulbs with more energy-efficient, higher-performing bulbs.

Energy Saver: Thermostats

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Energy Saver
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Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Description
Article by Energy Saver on how to save energy with your thermostat.

ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2021 - Clothes Dryers

Publication Date
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Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
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Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Description
A list of clothes dryers that made the EnergyStar Most Efficient list for 2021, delivering cutting technological innovation along with energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2021 Criteria Development

Publication Date
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Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
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Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Description
Webpage recognizing the most efficient products among those that are ENERGY STAR certified.

Freeze Protection for CPVC Fire Sprinkler Piping Guide

Publication Date
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Author(s)
City of Gresham,
State of Oregon
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Organization(s)
City of Gresham,
State of Oregon
Description
A guideline containing fire sprinkler insulation requirements from the Prescott, Arizona Fire Department.

Hybrid Inverter Comparison Chart

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Clean Energy Reviews
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Organization(s)
CER
Description
Website providing comparison charts and reviews of hybrid inverters for solar power systems.

Keeping Homes and Cities Cool in Extreme Heat

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Kyle Mittan
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Organization(s)
University of Arizona
Description
Article from University of Arizona on keeping homes cool during extreme heat, both personal and system changes.

Learn About LED Lighting

Publication Date
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Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
·
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Description
A website explaining the basics of LED lightning, their lifespan, their use in general lighting applications, the amount of heat produced, and why you should choose ENERGY STAR certified LED products for your home.

Lighting Principles and Terms

Publication Date
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Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
·
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Description
A website explaining basic lighting principles and terms & how they are applied to the home.

Mesothelioma.net

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Mesothelioma.net
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Organization(s)
Mesothelioma.net
Description
Website providing medical information about malignant mesothelioma, a cancer related to asbestos exposure.

Off-Grid Inverter Comparison Chart

Publication Date
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Author(s)
Clean Energy Reviews
·
Organization(s)
CER
Description
Website providing comparison charts and reviews of off-grid inverters for solar power systems.

Savings Calculator

Publication Date
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Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
·
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Description
A website calculator that can calculate how much you can save by switching to ENERGY STAR certified products.

Thermostat Controls

Publication Date
·
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
·
Organization(s)
DOE
Description
Guide from Energy Star on smart thermostats and offering some guidance for choosing one.