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.
Document about proper HVAC system sizing.
Report summarizing results from a case study about whole-house mechanical ventilation systems in Chicago.
Information sheet about proper ventilation and air sealing.
Report providing performance results of a home's heat pump water heater and whole-house dehumidifier over a six-month period.
Information sheet about HVAC equipment design to maximize energy efficiency in the hot-dry climate zone.
Report about cost effective energy-efficient upgrades that can be implemented in the hot, dry Southwest climate.
Report describing procedures for increasing sensible efficiencies through increased flow rates across the air handling unit and increased indoor coil sizes.
Report including an overview of the buried duct research and information the retrofit methodology used to install and test the three existing duct systems, including short- and long-term data collection.
Research study using modeling to determine optimal combination(s) of components/pumps, high efficiency heat sources, plumbing configurations and controls that result in the highest overall efficiency for a hydronic system.
Research study outlining results of monitoring a low temperature heat pump.
This document addresses adding—or improving—mechanical ventilation systems to existing homes. The purpose of ventilation is to remove contaminants from homes either directly or by dilution. This report discusses where, when, and how much ventilation is appropriate in a home, including some discussion of relevant codes and...
Report descibing the sealing and insulating of HVAC duct systems in new and existing homes.
Report describing the use of passive vents as a source of outdoor air in multifamily buildings.
Report providing step-by-step instructions for heating contractors and hydronic designers for selecting the proper control settings to maximize system performance and improve response time when using a thermostat setback.
Document covering the technical aspects of buried and insulated ducts (BEDs), as well as the advantages, disadvantages, and risks of BEDs compared to alternative strategies.
Report about development of effective strategies to reduce the overall building energy use in line with Building America goals in this modestly priced market rate project.
Research study evaluating 14 heat pump water heaters, attempting to provide publically available field data on new HPWHs by monitoring the performance of three recently released products .
Report outlining research that helps inform best practices for air sealing multi-family buildings in the Northeast.
Document providing design guidance and software tool information for forced-air HVAC systems.
Report describing strategies to improve the aging steam heating systems in New York City to improve energy efficiency, reduce oil and gas usage, and cut maintenance costs.
Report about City of Meriden Housing Authority's (MHA) collaboration with Jonathon Rose Companies to complete a gut renovation of 126 residential units in the Chamberlain Heights retrofit project.
Report describing the recommended best practices to achieve energy savings without compromising health or safety.