Library

Fact sheet providing an overview of the FEMA document Wind Retrofit Guide for Residential Buildings.

Article describing methods for venting a vented attic and a roof assembly over an unvented attic.

Energy Star web page providing guidance on attic ventilation.

Article describing recessed lighting, which if installed incorrectly may contribute to air leakage and compromise building envelope efficiency.

Manual describing best practices or home construction in Alaska and northern climates.

Report covering moisture and leakage issues associated with spray foam insulation application to the underside of roof sheathing.

Standard establishing the minimum whole-building energy performance requirements for energy efficient residential buildings.

Document providing background and approach for the prep work necessary prior to adding attic insulation - focusing on combustion safety, ventilation for indoor air quality, and attic ventilation for durability.

Report about a project that examines implementation of advanced retrofit measures in the context of a large-scale weatherization program and the archetypal Chicago, Illinois, brick bungalow.

NREL webpage of standard work specification of exterior and interior, attic floors, attic knee walls, and unique installations.

Technical article describing issues and moisture concerns related to weatherization efforts.

Article describing the building science implications of insulating vented or unvented attics.

Article describing the research into insulating vented versus unvented attics.

Fact sheet describing research sponsored by DOE's Building America program to research the importance of attic air-sealing and best practice attic air-sealing techniques for new and existing homes.

Article describing the control layers (air, thermal, and vapor barriers) needed to build homes successfully in very cold locations.

Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.

A website describing a list of common vocabulary used when describing light bulbs.

A simple three-step guide for homeowners who are looking to replace existing light bulbs with more energy-efficient, higher-performing bulbs.

A website explaining how to quickly clean up a broken compact fluorescent lightbulb.

A website explaining the various shades of light, from warm to cool colors, with a visual diagram illustrating the various shades of light.

Report on heating and cooling air-distribution ducts that are insulated, installed close to the ceiling in a vented attic and covered with attic insulation to minimize energy loss.

Article describing the difference between conditioned or unvented attics and unconditioned or vented attics.

Article describing the use of whole-house fans to provide cooling in the region surrounding Sacramento, CA.

Report exploring alternative methods to find long-term solutions to energy loss in 1 ½-story homes to save energy, improve comfort, prevent frost buildup on the underside of the roof deck, and reduce the risk of ice dam formation/reformation.

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

Article describing strategies for reducing the risk of ice dam formation on roofs in winter.

Article describing the importance of air sealing, insulation, and roof ventilation in reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation on roofs in cold snowy climates.

Part of a larger LBNL report (Deep Energy Retrofit Guidance for the Building America Solutions Center), the Source Energy and Carbon Decisions chapter helps users carefully assess the impacts of switching from gas to electricity for heating end-uses, using source energy and/or carbon emissions...

Website discusses differences between CFL and LED bulbs.

A FAQ explaining the purpose of the Energy Independence and Security Act, a law which sets energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs.

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

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.

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.

Report describing research testing results on roof truss to wall connections in light frame wood systems.

Article explaining what a continuous load path is and the key connection points that make it up.

Report of a field evaluation of four novel roof designs to see how each design would reduce space-conditioned energy use so that the knowledge gained could be applied to the design of new manufactured homes.

Journal article reporting on field experience of unvented cathedralized (UC) attics in several environments in the United States.

Report to understand the long-term moisture performance of unvented roof assemblies with fibrous insulation.

The FPC Monitoring project has evaluated radiant barrier systems (RBS) as a new potential DSM program.

Fact sheet defining a grid-interactive efficient building and its benefits.

Report describing the use of fresh air ventilation systems to eliminate the formation of icicles and ice dams along the eaves of roofs.

Report discussing the potential energy savings of new high-efficiency downlights, and the results of product testing to date.

Article describing the causes that form ice dams, as well as solutions for preventing future ice dams on roofs, focusing on air sealing to prevent hot air leakage.

Information sheet presenting the correct methods for building an insulated cathedral ceiling.

Information sheet presenting techniques for installing cellulose insulation.

Article from Montana State University Extension explaining how proper insulation techniques can greatly reduce the risks of ice dams on roofs in cold climate zones.

Guide discussing observations, recommendations, and technical guidance as a result of Hurricane Katrina

Article describing issues with condensation in unvented attics insulated with open-cell spray foam.

Article outlining the casuses and solutions for ice dam problems.

Article describing the effect metal roofs have on thermal performance in hot-humid climates.