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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 167

Author(s)
International Code Council
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.
Author(s)
International Code Council
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.
Author(s)
International Code Council
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.
Author(s)
International Code Council
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.
Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
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.
Author(s)
Air-Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute
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.
Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
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.
Author(s)
AC Comfort
Organization(s)
AC Comfort
Publication Date
Description
Website containing commercial information related to air conditioning and heating.
Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
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.
Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
Webpage listing ACCA Manual J and D calculation software that is approved by ACCA.
Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
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.
Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
Organization(s)
ACCA
Publication Date
Description
Technical manual from ACCA outlining correct methods for zoning of residential HVAC systems.
Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
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.
Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
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.
Author(s)
Air Conditioning Contractors of America
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.
Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
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...
Author(s)
Air Duct Council
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.
Author(s)
Mallay David
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.
Author(s)
Straube John
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...
Author(s)
Weiner C.
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.
Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
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.
Author(s)
Strack Terry,
Sager Jeremy
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.
Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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.
Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
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...
Author(s)
Dentz Jordan,
Zhu Shengming
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...
Author(s)
Bay Area Retrofit
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.
Author(s)
BE-Ex
Organization(s)
Building Energy Exchange
Publication Date
Description
Article describing the common ventilation system types, issues, and solutions in New York City's multifamily residential buildings to improve indoor air quality, occupant health, and building durability.
Author(s)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
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.
Author(s)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
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.
Author(s)
Lstiburek Joseph W
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.
Author(s)
Sullivan Bruce,
Schmiede Angela
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance,
NEEA
Publication Date
Description
Training manual on how to locate ducts within conditioned space and compact design.
Author(s)
California Energy Commission
Organization(s)
CEC
Publication Date
Description
Webpage containing California Energy Commission's HVAC design information, including mandatory and prescriptive HVAC requirements for residential and nonresidential buildings following the California Energy Commission's Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
Author(s)
Consortium for Energy Efficiency; Air-Conditioning,
Heating,
and Refrigeration Institute
Organization(s)
CEE; AHRI
Publication Date
Description
AHRI-hosted directory of residential products meeting CEE's highest tier
Author(s)
Gifford Henry
Organization(s)
American Boiler Manufacturers Association
Publication Date
Description
Part 2 of an article discussing how to maximize two-pipe steam systems for resident space heating.
Author(s)
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
Organization(s)
NEEP
Publication Date
Description
Specification defining performance and reporting requirements to meet the voluntary “Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Specification” (ccASHP Specification) for air source heat pumps suited to heat efficiently in cold climates (IECC cz 4 and higher).
Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
NEEA
Publication Date
Description
Webpage outlining how to optimize the installations and performance of mini-split heat pump systems. As well, it discusses a set of design considerations for multi-level homes, low load homes, and heat distribution to rooms without a heat source.
Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Description
Information sheet summarizing inspection and testing of combustion appliances taught during the 2006 Florida whole-house weatherization training as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hot Climate Initiative.
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)
Barnaby Charles S,
Wilcox Bruce A
Organization(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
ASHRAE
Publication Date
Description
Technical report detailing a study in which actual cooling loads are compared to modeled cooling loads.