Library

Report on experiments comparing the cooling and heating seasonal and peak demand performance of different variable-capacity air conditioning and heat pump units.

Study reporting the results of comparative testing of the effect of finished and unfinished metal roofing systems on cooling energy performance in a test facility.

Report providing recommendations to builders regarding how to reduce cooling loads, use air-circulation fans, natural ventilation, window and building design for natural ventilation, and whole-house fans.

Short report providing tips on how to reduce heat gain and passively cool a home.

Website providing information about the Cool Roof Rating Council including programs, membership, and resources for the construction industry.

Article from Green Building Advisor on strategies to take when building homes to reduce the need for air conditioning, including insulation, windows, site selection, and roofing.

Report detailing the value of a smart range hood (SRH) that was developed as part of a project aimed at addressing indoor air quality (IAQ) health risks by targeting key pollutants in residential kitchens, with a focus on being consumer-friendly, quiet, effective, and efficient, meeting established...

Online database with efficiency information about residential HVAC systems and commercial refrigeration equipment.

Website providing lists of WaterSense-qualified products for home plumbing and irrigation equipment that meet the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program.

ENERGY STAR Key product criteria for dishwashers.

Report outlining the issues with using existing ducts with a new low-load HVAC system, which reduces throw at supply registers causing decreased mixing of supply and room air, leading to potential thermal comfort complaints.

Simple web-based tool allowing homeowners to calculate the potential savings from installing a cool roof.

Information sheet with safety tips for home owners on proper maintenance of clothes dryers.

Webpage describing the advantages and disadvantages of ductless mini-split air conditioner.

Webpage providing details of an experimental earth tube installation at the Clean Energy Exhibition in Georgia.

Factsheet describing how to secure refrigerators and other major appliances to wall studs using earthquake appliance straps or angle brackets and bolts.

Factsheet describing how to secure televisions, microwaves, computers, and other electronics to prevent damage during earthquakes.

Factsheet describing how to secure water heaters to resist seismic activity.

Guide provides homeowners ways to prepare for an earthquake and protect a home against earthquake damage.

A one-page fact sheet outlining the purpose of an earthquake valve and how the valve can stop gas from flowing into a residence or building.

Article describing earthship homes.

This study evaluates the energy, humidity and indoor air quality implications of residential ventilation cooling in all US IECC climate zones.

U.S. Code of Federal Regulations energy and water conservation standards for consumer products including home appliances and HVAC equipment.

Online textbook describing energy, including energy types, and energy use in homes.

Article from NAHB research center describing home building techniques for homes in hot climate zones.

Website from the U.S. Department of Energy providing consumers with information on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies.

Website with consumer information about residential heat pump systems.

DOE's consumer information about energy and laundry.

Online reference containing general information about geothermal heat pumps.

Technical report evaluating the energy savings potential of radiative cooling technologies, particularly photonic 'selective emittance' materials.

EPA's market report about residential clothes dryers.

A list of clothes dryers that made the EnergyStar Most Efficient list for 2021, delivering cutting technological innovation along with energy efficiency.

Webpage on the ENERGY STAR website that list products that exceed the ENERGY STAR minimum criteria for their category, with links to several product categories, including windows, HVAC, home appliances, and computer monitors.

Program criteria for central air conditioner and heat pump equipment.

Website for finding rebates and special offers near you on ENERGY STAR certified products. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the U.S. EPA helping you save energy and money while protecting the environment.

Factsheet describing mini split heat pumps and their benefits for consumers.

Archived 2014 EPA newsroom release describing new EnergyStar standards for clothes dryers.

DOE-sponsored report describing the experimental setup and results of field studies on using interior cellular shading attachments to reduce solar heat gain in summer and reduce heat loss in winter.

DOE-sponsored report describing the experimental setup and results of field studies on using exterior fabric shading attachments to reduce solar heat gain, reduce glare, and improve comfort.

DOE-sponsored report describing a study investigating the energy savings potential of cellular shades in homes.

Technical report presenting the results of an evaluation of homes using high-efficiency mini-split heat pumps to supplement the primary heating and cooling systems.

Report about an experimental evaluation conducted on a night sky cooling system designed to substantially reduce space cooling needs in homes in North American climates.

DOE-sponsored report describing a study investigating condensation buildup on windows when using insulating shades.

Webpage providing tips for installing and maintaining an evaporative cooler.

A webpage by the DOE on tips for saving energy with an evaporative cooler.

Article describing RESNET guidance on evaporative coolers.

Article describing how evaporative coolers work and how to maintain them.

Image of design wet bulb temperatures in the U.S. and where evaporative cooling is most appropriate.

Web article describing the evolution of evaporative coolers, water usage of evaporative coolers, and links to information on selecting an evaporative cooler.

Article describing a study of the potential to use heat pumps to heat and cool homes across the United States, including cold climate locations like Alaska.