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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 158

WaterSense Specification for Homes

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Webpage describing specification requirements including checklist that establishes the criteria for water-efficient homes under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense program.

Dishwashers Key Product Criteria

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
ENERGY STAR Key product criteria for dishwashers.

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.

ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Webpage with links to documents providing the program requirements and checklists for ENERGY STAR Certified Single-Family New Homes.

Air-Source Heat Pumps

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR,
EPA
Publication Date
Webpage describing the functionality and benefits of switching to Air Source Heat Pumps, as well as linking to sets of products, rebates, most efficient ASHPs, and providing consumer aid for purchasing an ASHP.

ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (Ducted)

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Searchable list of heat pumps that meet ENERGY STAR criteria.

ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2024

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Publication Date
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.

ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Publication Date
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.

Protect Your Family from Exposures to Asbestos

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Website from the EPA containing information for homeowners and renters about how to identify asbestos in the home and how to deal with it to reduce exposure to it.

Energy Efficient New Homes and Apartments

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Website describing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR New Homes and Apartments program with links to builder and homeowner resources.

Lead-Safe Renovations for DIYers

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Website describing best practices for minimizing exposure to lead while doing repairs and renovations in homes built in 1978 or earlier.

ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction, OR-WA Program Requirements

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Webpage with links to documents providing the program requirements and checklists for ENERGY STAR Certified Multifamily Homes, national and regional program requirements.

ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program Requirements

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Publication Date
Website showing compliance timelines for various versions of the ENERGY STAR Multi-Family New Construciton program requirements with links to national program requirements documents and checklists.

Map of Radon Zones

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Website providing links to the EPA developed map of radon risk in the United States.

Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Homepage for ENERGY STAR’s windows, skylights, and doors program providing information for consumers and links to product directories.

ENERGY STAR® Certified Mini Split Heat Pumps

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Factsheet describing mini split heat pumps and their benefits for consumers.

Flood Cleanup: Protecting Indoor Air Quality

Author(s)
US Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
This five-page brochure contains basic information on flood cleanup with illustrations and links to more detailed information.

Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Website providing series of short how-to videos, infographics and more resources on cleaning up a home after a flood.

Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Website that lists references that can help you determine how to control you indoor air quality while combating an emergency.

Mold Course

Author(s)
Brennan Terry
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Publication Date
Online course providing an overview of mold prevention and mold remediation.

How it Works - Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs)

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Publication Date
ENERGY STAR webpage describing how a heat pump water heater works.

Cool Roofs Help Reduce Energy Costs

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Publication Date
Web page providing information on the types of cool roofs and their benefits to consumers.

Cool Roofs

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
ENERGY STAR webpage discussing the costs and benefits of cool roofs.

WaterSense Homes Certification

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Webpage from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describing the EPA WaterSense program including the Mandatory Checklist for WaterSense Labeled Homes, information on how to get certified, and information on finding or becoming a WaterSense Home Certifying Organization.

Heat Island Effect

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
EPA webpage explaining the heat island effect and providing links to related content.

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Leak Detection and Flow Monitoring System

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing how to effectively build, implement, and verify leak detection and flow monitoring systems, detailing their significance in identifying and preventing leaks, selecting appropriate devices, installation procedures, and verification protocols within the context of water...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Landscape Design and Plant Selection

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing water-efficient landscaping through informed landscape design and plant selection, outlining considerations for climate, soil, and maintenance, as well as emphasizing the benefits of native and drought-tolerant plants, all within the context of achieving water efficiency...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Service Water Pressure

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing the significance of managing service water pressure within recommended ranges through the installation of pressure-regulating valves (PRVs), emphasizing their role in preventing damage, conserving energy, and ensuring water-efficient operation in residential properties; There...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Water Softeners

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
WaterSense,
EPA
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing the importance and regulation of EPA WaterSense water softeners including the function of cation exchange water softeners, the importance of salt efficiency, the negative impact of hard water on household appliances, softeners that use demand-initiated regeneration with...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Water Metering

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing the implementation of water metering and submetering measures in residential properties, particularly multifamily buildings, to enhance water efficiency, usage tracking, and compliance with relevant regulations; It outlines how to build and verify water meters and submeters to...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Showerheads

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
This fact sheet describes the requirements for WaterSense® labeled showerheads in, highlighting their water-saving capabilities, adherence to flow rate criteria, independent performance certification, and how they're built, verified and in alignment with the conservation and water management goals...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Toilets

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
WaterSense,
EPA
Publication Date
This fact sheet outlines the mandatory inclusion of WaterSense® labeled toilets in homes, highlighting their water-efficient features, certified performance, and leak prevention; The sheet describes the requirements for these features, steps to build, and steps to verify a labeled toilet to insure...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Hot Water Delivery

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing four different efficient hot water delivery (HWD) systems, the trunk-and branch, core, whole-house manifold, and recirculation, with emphasis on system schematics, piping materials, and regulations to design and verify the systems ensuring that they meet the quality and water...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Kitchen Faucets

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing the requirements for EPA WaterSense® certified kitchen faucets that highlights flow rate specifications, efficiency code standards, local requirements, faucet types and regulations for building and verifying a labeled faucet to ensure it meets the quality and water management...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Free of Water Leaks

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing a comprehensive set of protocols for detecting, addressing, and preventing water leaks in homes, covering pressure-loss testing, visual inspections, and specific leak tests for fixtures and appliances to ensure water efficiency, water management, and high preformance of...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Clothes Washers

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing the requirements for EPA WaterSense® certified clothes washers that highlights the integrated water factor, integrated modified energy factor, top-loading vs. front-loading specifications, efficiency code standards, local requirements, faucet types and regulations for building...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Bathroom Sink Faucets

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
This fact sheet outlines the requirements for WaterSense® labeled bathroom sink faucets, detailing their water-efficient features, compliance with flow rate standards, how they are tested, how they are built, and how they are verified to ensure their quality and compliance with conservation and...

WaterSense Labeled Homes Technical Sheet: Dishwashers

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Fact sheet describing the requirements for EPA WaterSense® certified dishwashers that highlights water cycle specifications, efficiency code standards, water consumption level relation to criteria, the advantages of ENERGY STAR dishwashers, and the regulations for building and verifying a labeled...

Technical Reference Manual for WaterSense Labeled Homes

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
Resource manual for builders, designers, architects, plumbers, and others interested in the WaterSense Labeled Homes Program providing an overview of the program, explains how to meet the program requirements, gives descriptions of water-saving technologies, and provides links to further resources.

Air Source Heat Pumps Tax Credit

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
ENERGY STAR,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA
Publication Date
This is a federal tax credit for complying air source heat pumpe. Units located in the "North" must meet ENERGY STAR's cold climate heat pump criteria.

Directory of WaterSense Labeled Products

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
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.

Flood Cleanup Infographic

Author(s)
US Environmental Protection Agency
Organization(s)
EPA
Publication Date
This document includes tips for safely and effectively cleaning up a home after a flood. It is available in several languages.

Storm Windows

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
ENERGY STAR webpage describing the benefits of storm windows and a link to a product list.

WaterSense Home Certification

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Article describing the EPA WaterSense program, process, and benefits.

About Attic Ventilation

Author(s)
ENERGY STAR
Organization(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
EPA,
ENERGY STAR
Publication Date
Energy Star web page providing guidance on attic ventilation.

WaterSense Labeled Homes: The Basics

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Website providing a description of the WaterSense labeled homes program and a checklist of mandatory requirements for homes to be labeled under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense program, Version 2.0.

WaterSense Labeled Homes: Introductory Guide

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
WaterSense
Organization(s)
EPA,
WaterSense
Publication Date
Brochure providing information for homeowners, builders, verifiers, and facilities including an overview of program criteria, the certification process, and EPA-approved home certification organizations for water-efficient homes under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) WaterSense...