Library

Case study describing the External Thermal and Moisture Management System developed by the NorthernSTAR Building America Partnership for retrofitting roofs with rigid foam over the roof deck, especially on one and a half-story homes.

DOE case study findings on raised ceiling interior duct systems.

Research project aimed to verify whether homes in the New Jersey HPwES program achieved 30% source energy savings, and if so, what measures were implemented to achieve them.

This study used an advanced airflow, energy and humidity modeling tool to evaluate the potential for residential mechanical pre-scooling strategies to reduce peak electriciy demand.

The ENERGY STAR criteria for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers.

A user forum discussing ways to reinforce a gable overhand that was framed using the ladder method by Mike Mahan.

Website tool intended to guide home builders in assessing whether a new home has the proper physical orientation to support a future installation of a solar energy system.

Website with information and research about residential hot water distribution systems.

Report evaluating mechanical AC precooling strategies in homes as a method for improving the load factor by shifting cooling operation from on-peak to off-peak hours.

Brochure with information on residential solar hot water systems.

Webpage with guidance document detailing voluntary interim guidelines for conducting home energy ratings on multifamily residential buildings.

Resource to help builders better understand the WaterSense requirements for labeled homes and assist them in meeting the criteria so they can receive the label for their new construction.

Article describing how replacing permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors with electronically commutated motors (ECM) can boost bottom line for HVAC contractors as well as improve customer comfort and satisfaction.

Manual describing methods for rodent-proofing buildings.

Factsheet describing air-sealing.

Standard using deficiency-based and systematic procedures that use performance-based principles to evaluate and retrofit existing buildings to withstand the effects of earthquakes.

Technical study exploring the impact of different installation faults on heat pump performance in a single-family house.

High-density sidewall cavity insulation can be a major comfort and savings boost. It saves energy by slowing both conductive and convective losses, but only if the right things are done and done right. This always requires site-specific thinking.

Study conducted to help determine cost-effective solutions for heating and cooling houses that are designed to be energy efficient.

Website providing information about INSULSPAN structurally insulated panels.

Website providing consumers with resources to find, select and install heat pump water heaters.

Proposed HVAC filter labeling standard and underlying analysis by the California Energy Commission.

Standard document establishing construction standards for one- and two-family dwellings constructed in high wind regions.

A research paper discussing the use of foundation heat exchangers for ground source heat pump systems in European climates.

Research project evaluating the pre-and post-retrofit energy consumption of a marine climate retrofit, compare actual energy use to original predictions, and identify opportunities for cost savings in other similar retrofits in this climate.

A guide for homeowners on determining the risks from tornadoes and hurricanes and selecting a safe room type and location, as well as providing detailed plans for safe room construction.

Fact sheet describing water management in a residential building.

An introduction to the insect termites.

Fact sheet describing building codes, seismic codes, and code enforcement.

Document summarizing the various papers on unvented conditioned cathedralized attics found on BSC's website.

This study uses a computer simulation approach to examine the energy and indoor air quality implications of passive and hybrid ventilation systems.

Preliminary results of two monitored lab homes constructed to represent the thermal characteristics of typical existing Florida homes are presented.

Document outlining a well-detailed drainage plane and flashings.

Resource that provides a checklist of program criteria for water-efficient new homes under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program.

Guide designed to help builders better understand and meet the hot water delivery system criteria as specified in EPA's WaterSense New Home Specification.

Report assessing the performance and cost-effectiveness of a zero net energy community project in Davis, CA.

An example of wildland urban interface construction requirements for new buildings built in very high fire risk zones/areas.

Manual providing engineered and prescriptive design requirements for wood frame construction used in one and two-family dwellings.

Report describing Net Zero house design with sloped roof assemblies.