Organization(s)
AC Service Tech LLC
Publication Date
Description
Web article describing common issues that can cause refrigerant system flare joints to leak.
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 260
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
Description
2012 edition of code establishing a baseline for the design and installation of fuel gas systems and gas fired appliances through performance requirements.
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
Description
2012 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, fireplaces, combustion and hydronic systems, using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.
Organization(s)
FBC
Publication Date
Description
A supplement to the 2012 Florida Building Code on energy efficiency and conservation.
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
Description
2015 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, fireplaces, combustion and hydronic systems, using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.
Organization(s)
FEMA
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet providing an overview of FEMA P-348, Protecting Building Utility Systems From Flood Damage.
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
Description
2018 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, fireplaces, combustion and hydronic systems, using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.
Organization(s)
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Description
Guidebook covering basic principles and data used in the HVAC&R industry. This is the 2021 edition of the handbook, which can be purchased physically or digitally at the reference link in versions using either I-P units of measurement or SI units of measurement.
Organization(s)
AHRI
Publication Date
Description
Performance rating standards for unitary air-conditioners and unitary air-source heat pumps, including definitions, classifications, testing, rating, and operating requirements, as well as minimum data requirements for published ratings and markings.
Organization(s)
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Description
Guidebook covering basic principles and data used in the HVAC&R industry. This is the 2023 edition of the handbook, which can be purchased physically or digitally at the reference link in versions using either I-P units of measurement or SI units of measurement.
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Report providing builders in the hot-dry and mixed-dry climates with guidance for building homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
A guidebook helping builders in hot-humid climates design and construct homes for energy efficiency, durability, health, safety, and comfort.
Organization(s)
Alliance for Residential Building Innovation,
ARBI,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
Davis Energy Group
Publication Date
Description
Research study estimating potential energy savings relative to conventional ducted air distribution, and identifying equipment requirements, costs, and barriers.
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS
Publication Date
Description
Report describing an air distribution system composed of a series of uniformly-sized ducts that terminate in rooms throughout the home and return to a central manifold, similar in fashion to a “home-run” cross-linked polyethylene plumbing system.
Organization(s)
AABC,
ANSI
Publication Date
Description
Standards book discussing the minimum standards of total system balance of HVAC systems.
Organization(s)
AC Comfort
Publication Date
Description
Website containing commercial information related to air conditioning and heating.
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
Website homepage for the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
Webpage of ACCA’s Quality Standards outlining precisely the procedures that contractors should follow when designing, installing, maintaining, repairing, and verifying indoor environment systems.
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
Webpage listing ACCA Manual J and D calculation software that is approved by ACCA.
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
The manual covers residential zoning issues - multiple, single-zone, and central multi-zone systems - and includes advice on working with homeowners to adapt the heating or cooling system design to meet modern home design features.
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
Technical manual from ACCA outlining correct methods for zoning of residential HVAC systems.
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
This Standard establishes the minimum requirements to evaluate a residence with regards to energy efficiency, water conservation, occupant comfort, and indoor air quality.
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
Standard providing nationally recognized, manufacturer-endorsed set of inspection tasks for HVAC maintenance.
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
Standard providing a universally accepted definition for quality installation for residential and commercial heating, ventilating, and air conditioning applications.
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
Document detailing the requirements, roles, and obligations for participants in an organized effort, ensuring that HVAC installations comply with the ANSI/ACCA 5 QI – 2010 (HVAC Quality Installation Specification) QI Standard.
Organization(s)
NREL,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet describing best strategies to bring ductwork on single-story homes with a slab-on-grade foundation in hot, dry climates into the conditioned envelope of the home intending to highlight the pros and cons of multiple ductwork integration strategies, including traditional duct systems in...
Organization(s)
ADC
Publication Date
Description
Standard for use and reference by designers, architects, engineers, contractors, installers and users for evaluating, selecting, specifying and properly installing flexible duct in heating and air conditioning systems.
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
The research report outlines a practical and cost-effective strategy utilizing central HVAC systems to optimize humidity control and ventilation in energy-efficient homes located in hot-humid climates, demonstrating significant improvements without requiring complex equipment upgrades.
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Document providing guideance and considerations for duct design in an energy efficient house.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information on the control of air flow across building enclosures to control moisture damage, reduce energy losses, and ensure occupant comfort and health. A continuous, strong, stiff, durable and air impermeable air barrier system is required between the exterior and conditioned space to control...
Organization(s)
Colorado State University,
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
USDA
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet describing air-sealing concerns and remedies, including HRV/ERV installation, caulking, spray foam, and weatherstrip installation.
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Publication Date
Description
This is a federal tax credit for complying air source heat pumpe. Units located in the "North" must meet ENERGY STAR's cold climate heat pump criteria.
Organization(s)
Natural Resources Canada,
NRC,
CanmetENERGY
Publication Date
Description
Document providing step-by-step guidance to sizing air-source heat pumps for a cold climate.
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR,
EPA
Publication Date
Description
Webpage describing the functionality and benefits of switching to Air Source Heat Pumps, as well as linking to sets of products, rebates, most efficient ASHPs, and providing consumer aid for purchasing an ASHP.
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Fact sheet describing the research on energy-efficient strategies for small single-story homes, including manufactured and Habitat for Humanity-built homes, utilizing mini split ductless heat pumps and through-wall transfer fans to achieve a 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to the 2009...
Organization(s)
Levy Partnership,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Technical report describing the integration of mini split ductless heat pumps and through-wall transfer fans in small single-story homes, to achieve a 50% reduction in space conditioning energy consumption compared to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, while ensuring affordability and...
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Report analyzing design heating load sizing methods for superinsulated homes in cold climates and comparing them to the actual energy usage to determine if the building load calculation methodology should be changed for calculating the design heating load of these homes.
Organization(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL
Publication Date
Description
Report about a building project in the marine climate.
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC,
University of Central Florida,
UCF
Publication Date
Description
Report describing a field investigation of failure rates of whole-house mechanical ventilation systems installed in Florida homes.
Publication Date
Description
YouTube channel featuring 90+ videos to educate Bay Area homeowners and contractors about seismic retrofitting, including information for various home and construction types.
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Case study describing solar thermal and photovoltaic systems in new construction.
Organization(s)
NREL
Publication Date
Description
Brochure intended to provide readers with a working knowledge of residential heating and cooling duct systems.
Organization(s)
AHRI
Publication Date
Description
This directory contains the I=B=R Ratings for cast-iron, steel, aluminum and copper boilers, baseboard and finned tube radiation, indirect-fired water heaters, effective as of the date of this publication.
Organization(s)
ASME
Publication Date
Description
Code establishing the rules of safety relating only to pressure integrity for the design, fabrication, and inspection of boilers and pressure vessels during construction which was published in the year 2017 and is available to order at the referenced link.
Organization(s)
ASME
Publication Date
Description
Code establishing the rules of safety relating only to pressure integrity for the design, fabrication, and inspection of boilers and pressure vessels during construction which was published in the year 2021 and is available to order at the referenced link.
Organization(s)
BSC
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet offering general recommendations on supplemental humidity control and outlines viable system configurations.
Organization(s)
CARB,
NREL,
SWA
Publication Date
Description
Report describing the recommended best practices to achieve energy savings without compromising health or safety.
Organization(s)
Building Science Corporation,
BSC
Publication Date
Description
The Builder's Guide provides the building industry with the latest and best practical information on how to apply building science principles to structures as systems in hot-humid climate regions.
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Document providing a resource to help builders large and small build high-quality, energy-efficient homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in the cold and very cold climates.
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Document providing a resource to help builders large and small build high-quality, energy-efficient homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in the hot and humid climate.