Library

Research study making several recommendations to whole-home program designers and implementers for improving the cost effectiveness and reach of whole-home programs.

Information for properly sizing gas lines for use with tankless water heaters and other gas appliances.

Brochure describing insulation approaches for homes with slab-on-grade floors.

Brochure with information about how to select and install house wrap and other weather-resistive barriers.

Article describing a research study exploring how effective interior insulation systems are at keeping basements dry and warm.

Report providing a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis inherent to different models as a way of thinking about the transition from traditional business models into a viable model for delivering deep energy retrofits.

Report about seeking a 30% source energy savings targets over a comparable 2009 International Energy Conservation Code-built home in the cold climate zone, using simple measures.

Report developed for Habitat for Humanity about lessons learned from demonstration retrofit projects undertaken by Habitat for Humanity affiliates in New York, Maryland, and Pennsylvania; with building systems consulting and technical assistance provided by Steven Winter Associates.

Article describing thermal bridging, construction practices that encourage thermal bridging, and solving thermal bridging through continuous exterior insulation.

Article describing the evolution of the IRC to permit class 3 vapor retarders (latex paint) in walls coupled with exterior continuous insulation to allow drying and reduce condensation risk.

Article describing how an affordable multifamily building achieved energy savings for the same cost as code-minimum construction.

Report about partnership to build three communities of net zero houses.

Guide addressing troubleshooting and frequently asked questions about water pressure.

Information sheet about types and installation of insulation.

Article describing water leak detection and modes of testing (video camera inspection, hydrostatic pressure, electronic listening, isolation, and digital testing).

Documents describing Flood Resistant Provisions of codes published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officers (IAPMO): the Uniform Mechanical Code; Uniform Plumbing Code; Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code; and Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (Uniform...

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has been protecting the public’s health and safety for ninety-three years by working in concert with government and industry to implement comprehensive plumbing and mechanical systems around the world. Main website.

Presentation describing the challenges of insulating an existing basement, presented to the Building America residential energy-efficiency stakeholder meeting.

EPA WaterSense guidance on urinals.

Research study comparing TRNSYS Type 604 pipe model against laboratory pipe heat loss test data and detailed field monitoring data.

Guide providing information on controlling attic ductwork sweating.

Products and specification for a State of California-compliant earthquake-actuated automatic gas shutoff valve.

Publication with installation guidance for vinyl siding.

Report describing filtration, distillation, and disinfection methods of water treatment.

Report covering the migration of wind-blown embers in roof vents.

Article describing different types of water softeners and how they work.

Resource that provides a directory of individuals that have successfully completed all requirements of at least one WaterSense Approved Certification Method (WACM) through a Home Certification Organization (HCO).

Website providing a searchable list of products that meet the EPA WaterSense criteria for water savings.

Specification of criteria for lavatory faucets and faucet accessories under the U.S. EPA WaterSense Program.

Article describing the EPA WaterSense program, process, and benefits.

Webpage from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describing the EPA WaterSense program including the Mandatory Checklist for WaterSense Labeled Homes, information on how to get certified, and information on finding or becoming a WaterSense Home Certifying Organization.

Fact sheet describing protocols for detecting, addressing, and preventing water leaks in homes, covering pressure-loss testing, visual inspections, and specific leak tests for fixtures and appliances.

Brochure providing information for homeowners, builders, verifiers, and facilities including an overview of program criteria, the certification process, and EPA-approved home certification organizations for water-efficient homes under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense...

Website providing a description of the WaterSense labeled homes program and a checklist of mandatory requirements for homes to be labeled under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense program, Version 2.0.

Guide designed to help builders better understand and meet the hot water delivery system criteria as specified in EPA's WaterSense New Home Specification.

Webpage describing specification requirements including checklist that establishes the criteria for water-efficient homes under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense program.

Report describing sloped roof assemblies with high levels of thermal performance.

Document describing different spray foam materials including some pros and cons and technical specifications.

Report describing work conducted by the Building Science Corporation (BSC) Building America Research Teams Energy Efficient Housing Research Partnerships project.

Article about one way to deal with the cold-water surprise effect of tankless water heaters.

Introductory guide to air sealing the envelope of a home to reduce wasted energy and save on energy costs.

Webpage from American Red Cross describing how to stay safe and prepare homes for severe winter weather such as blizzards.

Report detailing retrofit of two existing houses in the Wyandotte Neighborhood program.

Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.