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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 - 24 of 24

2018 International Energy Conservation Code - IECC

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2018 edition of code establishing a baseline for energy efficiency by setting performance standards for the building envelope (defined as the boundary that separates heated/cooled air from unconditioned, outside air), mechanical systems, lighting systems and service water heating systems in homes...

Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus, ASTM C518-21

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Test method providing a rapid means of determining the steady-state thermal transmission properties of thermal insulations and other materials with a high level of accuracy when the apparatus has been calibrated appropriately. This version of the standard was published in the year 2021 and is...

What Makes it Energy Star? Performance Criteria

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Information sheet outlining the criteria for ENERGY STAR qualified, windows, doors, and skylights.

An Integrated Control Method for Supplemental Minisplit Heat Pumps in Existing Homes

Author(s)
Fenaughty Karen,
Martin Eric,
Nigusse Bereket,
Parker Danny S
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
University of Central Florida,
UCF
Publication Date
Technical report describing how the FSEC Energy Research Center explores low-cost space-conditioning upgrades for existing homes by integrating centrally located, high-efficiency ductless mini split heat pumps with older but functional central space conditioning systems, aiming to achieve energy...

NW Seismic: Seismic Retrofits

Author(s)
Wieber Michael
Organization(s)
NW Seismic
Publication Date
A website containing a video series by NW Seismic illustrating how a seismic retrofit should be done and ways they are done incorrectly.

2018 International Mechanical Code - IMC

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
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.

Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program: Contractors

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Website describing the EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule that establishes requirements to reduce lead exposure for firms and individuals performing renovations that might disturb painted surfaces in buildings and homes built pre 1978 that might be occupied by children.

Fixing an Expansion Tank with Excess Water

Author(s)
PEX Universe
Organization(s)
PEX Universe
Publication Date
A webpage discussing how water heater expansion tanks operate and how to repair them.

Standard Specification for Elastomeric Cellular Preformed Gasket and Sealing Material, ASTM C509-06(2021)

Author(s)
American Society for Testing and Materials,
ASTM International
Organization(s)
ASTM
Publication Date
Standard specification covering elastomeric cellular preformed gasket and sealing materials. This version of the standard was published in the year 2021 and is available for preview and purchase at the reference link. Other versions of the standard were published in the years 2015, 2011, 2006, and...

Windows & Skylights Tax Credit

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Tax credit for ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights.

Building Performance Institute Certified Professionals

Author(s)
Building Performance Institute
Organization(s)
BPI
Publication Date
A comprehensive list of professional certifications offered by the Building Performance Institute. The webpage includes links to overviews of the different certificates, certification scheme handbooks, and directions for taking certification exams and recertification.

2018 International Existing Building Code - IEBC

Author(s)
International Code Council
Organization(s)
ICC
Publication Date
2018 edition of code establishing a baseline for existing building retrofits to reach appropriate safety levels under new construction requirements covered in other ICC codes.

2021 ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals

Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Organization(s)
ASHRAE
Publication Date
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.

BPVC Code Cases: Boilers and Pressure Vessels, BPVC.CC.BPV-2021

Author(s)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Organization(s)
ASME
Publication Date
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.

Controls and Safety Devices for Automatically Fired Boilers, CSD-1 - 2012

Author(s)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Organization(s)
ASME
Publication Date
Standard covering requirements for the assembly, installation, maintenance, and operation of controls and safety devices on automatically operated boilers directly fired with gas, oil, gas-oil, or electricity, having fuel input ratings under 12,500,000 Btu/hr.

The NADCA Standard for Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems

Author(s)
National Air Duct Cleaners Association
Organization(s)
NADCA
Publication Date
Standard providing industry-backed information for assessing new and existing HVAC systems, evaluating and verifying the cleanliness of HVAC system components, preventing job related hazards and guiding the cleaning and restoration of HVAC systems to a specific level of cleanliness.

Criteria for Moisture-Control Design Analysis in Buildings, ANSI/ASHRAE 160-2021

Author(s)
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers,
American National Standards Institute
Organization(s)
ASHRAE,
ANSI
Publication Date
Standard describing prediction, mitigation, and reduction of moisture damage to the building envelope, materials, components, systems, and furnishings, depending on climate, construction type, and HVAC system operation; the webstore allows preview or full purchase.