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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 98

Achieving Ducts in Conditioned Space

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
NREL,
DOE
Publication Date
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...

Advanced HVAC Humidity Control for Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)
Mallay David
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
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.

Advanced Wall Framing

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
Home Innovation Research Labs,
Southface Energy Institute
Organization(s)
HIRL,
SEI,
DOE
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing advanced framing techniques that reduce the amount of lumber used in constructing wood-framed houses while providing more space for wall insulation.

Aerosol Envelope Sealing of New Residences

Author(s)
Bohac Dave,
Harrington Curtis
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Technical report describing the research behind a new aerosol-based sealing method, utilizing pressurization and a dispersed sealant fog, facilitated by a standard blower door, to automatically measure, locate, and seal air leaks in new homes in the United States, providing an efficient solution to...

Affordable Solid Panel "Perfect Wall" System

Author(s)
Schirber Tom,
Jacobson Rolf,
Mosiman Garrett,
Handeen Daniel,
Huelman Patrick H
Organization(s)
University of Minnesota,
UMN,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
NothernSTAR
Publication Date
Technical report describing the SPS (Structural Panel System), an innovative implementation of the "perfect wall" concept, situating environmental control layers on the exterior side of structural components for improved constructability, cost-effectiveness, and performance, validated through the...

Air Infiltration from Attached Garages in Canadian Houses

Author(s)
Fugler Don
Organization(s)
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation,
CMHC,
Environment Canada,
Health Canada,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Document reporting results from a study done to evaluate effects of automotive emissions from attached garages on the indoor environment.

Air Sealing - Seal Air Leaks and Save Energy!

Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE,
SEI
Publication Date
Brochure describing the benefits of air-sealing for homeowners.

An Approach to High-Performance Affordable Housing Using Point-Source Space Conditioning

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
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...

An Approach to High-Performance Affordable Housing Using Point-Source Space Conditioning

Author(s)
Dentz Jordan,
Zhu Shengming
Organization(s)
Levy Partnership,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
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...

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...

Basement Insulation Technology Fact Sheet

Author(s)
Southface Energy Institute
Organization(s)
SEI,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing basement insulation considerations.

Building America Building Science Advisor

Author(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
ORNL,
DOE
Publication Date
Web based tool providing decision-making guidance for selecting wall assembly components.

Building America Top Innovations 2013: Attic Air Sealing Guidelines

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
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.

Building with Ducts in Conditioned Space

Author(s)
Sullivan Bruce,
Schmiede Angela
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance,
NEEA
Publication Date
Training manual on how to locate ducts within conditioned space and compact design.

Comfort in High-Performance Homes in a Hot-Humid Climate

Author(s)
Beach Robert,
Poerschke Andrew
Organization(s)
Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,
IBACOS,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report describing how space-conditioning systems are operating in the field and if these systems are meeting required standards.

Cooling with a Whole-House Fan

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
DOE Energy Saver webpage summarizing the use of whole-house fans for cooling.

Cooling Your Home Naturally

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
NREL,
DOE
Publication Date
Short report providing tips on how to reduce heat gain and passively cool a home.

Development and Validation of Algorithms That Analyze Communicating Thermostat Data to Identify Enclosure Retrofit Opportunities

Author(s)
Zeifman Michael,
Roth Kurt
Organization(s)
Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Technical report describing algorithms that use communicating thermostat heating data and that were developed to optimize customer adoption of energy conservation measures, enhancing the identification of retrofit opportunities, estimating post-retrofit energy savings, and enabling home-specific...

DOE Building Energy Codes Program

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Website providing information on U.S. residential and commercial building codes including adoption status.

DOE Solar Decathlon Website

Author(s)
Solar Decathlon,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Website for the U.S. DOE Solar Decathlon competition.

DOE Weatherization Assistance Program

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Website providing information about the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of approximately 35,000 homes every year.

DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program Requirements

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Website listing implementation timelines and links to various versions of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home national program requirements.

DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Homepage for DOE's Zero Energy Ready Homes program.

DOE Zero Energy Ready Home PV-Ready Checklist (Revision 07)

Author(s)
Zero Energy Ready Home,
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
ZERH,
DOE
Publication Date
Checklist for the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program Requirements Mandatory Requirement 7 (Renewable Ready).

Double or TDouble or Triple? Factors Influencing the Window Purchasing Decisions of High-Performance Home Buildersriple? Factors Influencing the Window Purchasing Decisions of High-Performance Home Builders

Author(s)
Gilbride Theresa L,
Selkowitz Stephen,
Dingus Olivia G,
Cort Katherine A
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Technical report describing a market assessment conducted on new home builders' window purchasing practices revealing insights to inform the development of thin triple-pane windows, utilizing a center pane of thin glass and krypton gas fill to achieve the performance of standard triple-pane windows...

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners

Author(s)
Energy Saver
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Webpage describing the advantages and disadvantages of ductless mini-split air conditioner.

Efficient Window Coverings Website

Author(s)
Efficient Window Coverings
Organization(s)
Building Green,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL
Publication Date
Website sponsored by DOE to provide consumers with intelligent and unbiased guidance on the best window covering for your climate, your needs, and your windows.

Energy Auditor - Single Family 2.0: Attic Ventilation

Author(s)
Weatherization Assistance Program
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Powerpoint on attic ventilation developed as training material for the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Energy Efficient Window Coverings

Author(s)
Energy Saver
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Web page providing an overview of window coverings such as blinds, shades, shutters, films, and storm windows.

Energy Saver

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Website from the U.S. Department of Energy providing consumers with information on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies.

Energy Saver: Heat Pump Systems

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Website with consumer information about residential heat pump systems.

Energy Saver: Laundry

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
DOE's consumer information about energy and laundry.

Energy Saver: Thermostats

Author(s)
Energy Saver
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Article by Energy Saver on how to save energy with your thermostat.

Energy Savers: Geothermal Heat Pumps

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Online reference containing general information about geothermal heat pumps.

Energy Savings from Window Attachments

Author(s)
Curcija Charlie,
Yazdanian Mehry,
Kohler Christian,
Hart Robert,
Mitchell Robin,
Vidanovic Simon
Organization(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
LBNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report describing a comprehensive analysis on energy savings from multiple types of shading devices in multiple climate zones.

Energy Savings Potential of Radiative Cooling Technologies

Author(s)
Fernandez Nick,
Wang Weimin,
Alvine Kyle J,
Katipamula Srinivas
Organization(s)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Technical report evaluating the energy savings potential of radiative cooling technologies, particularly photonic 'selective emittance' materials.

ENERGY STAR Certified Ventilating Fans

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Factsheet describing the benefits of purchasing and installing ENERGY STAR rated fans and ventilation products.

ENERGY STAR Product Finder

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Webpage for finding all the information you need to start shopping for ENERGY STAR certified products, including product details, rebates, and retailers near you.

ENERGY STAR® Certified Heat Pump Water Heaters Sales Guide

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Publication Date
Informational guide describing the benefits, functionality, and cost savings of ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heaters, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting incentives.

Evaluation of Retrofit Variable-Speed Furnace Fan Motors

Author(s)
Aldrich Robb,
Williamson Jim
Organization(s)
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,
CARB,
Steven Winter Associates,
SWA,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report detailing the effects of replacing PSC motors with more efficient, variable-speed motors.

Evaporative Cooler

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Webpage providing tips for installing and maintaining an evaporative cooler.

Evaporative Cooler Tips

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
A webpage by the DOE on tips for saving energy with an evaporative cooler.