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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 - 12 of 12

Sizing a New Water Heater

Author(s)
US Department of Energy
Organization(s)
U.S. DOE
Publication Date
Information sheet describing how to select a properly sized water heater based on household usage patterns, peak demand, and heater type—whether tankless, solar, or storage-based—to ensure efficiency and adequate hot water supply.

Ground Source Integrated Heat Pump for Near Zero Energy Houses: Technology Status Report.

Author(s)
Murphy Richard W,
Rice C Keith,
Baxter Van D,
Craddick William G
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
ORNL
Publication Date
Report describing the ground-source IHP (GS-IHP) design and includes the lessons learned and best practices revealed by the research and development (R&D) effort throughout.

Moisture Performance of Unvented Attics with Vapor Diffusion Ports and Buried Ducts in Hot, Humid Climates

Author(s)
Kaufman Zoe,
Fontanini Anthony,
Withers Charles R,
Marden Craig,
Ueno Kohta,
Philip Ross,
Barker Greg M,
Hancock Ed,
Earle Lieko,
Garber-Slaght Robbin,
Meleika Sam
Organization(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
NREL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report on the use of vapor diffusion ports to reduce moisture issues with buried ductwork in unvented attics in hot-humid climates.

Accelerating the Adoption of the Solid Panel Structural System

Author(s)
Huelman Patrick H,
Crandell Jay H,
Peavey John,
Hudson Ed,
Handeen Daniel
Organization(s)
University of Minnesota,
UMN,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report examining the structural properties and applications of an innovative studless building system, detailing its testing regime and providing an engineering guide for architects and engineers.

Hot Water Solutions

Author(s)
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Organization(s)
NEEA
Publication Date
Website for consumers describing heat pump water heater technology and linking to retailers and installers.

Development and Validation of Home Comfort System for Total Performance Deficiency/ Fault Detection and Optimal Comfort Control

Author(s)
Jiang Yilin,
Wang Junke,
Song Li,
Tang Choon Yik,
Wang Gang,
Brambley Michael,
Ejenakevwe Kevwe
Organization(s)
University of Oklahoma,
University of Miami,
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
PNNL,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Report examining the use of smart thermostat data to detect performance degradation and optimize comfort control in home AC systems.

Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Webpage describing a DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge. The challenge engages industry partners and focuses around the Cold Climate Heat Pumps, a more environmental and efficient heating alternative to traditional heating.

Aerosol Envelope Sealing of Existing Residences

Author(s)
Bohac Dave,
Harrington Curtis,
Meyers Frederick
Organization(s)
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE,
Center for Energy and Environment,
CEE
Publication Date
Report examining the effectiveness of an aerosolized acrylic technique for air sealing existing homes to reduce air leakage and improve energy efficiency.

Validation Study of Experimental Insulating and Air-Sealing Technology for Enclosed Roof Cavities

Author(s)
Lamm Douglas,
Bell Alexander
Organization(s)
Building Envelope Materials,
U.S. Department of Energy,
DOE
Publication Date
Research report that validates Pinhole Insulation®, offering a cost-effective, minimally invasive solution for enhancing insulation and air sealing in enclosed roof cavities, improving R-value by 60% compared to traditional methods.

Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Recently Constructed U.S. Homes: Measured Data From Select Southeastern States

Author(s)
Martin Eric,
Khan Tanvir,
Chasar Dave,
Sonne Jeffrey K,
Withers Charles R
Organization(s)
Florida Solar Energy Center,
FSEC
Publication Date
This report examines indoor air quality in post-2013 homes across various climates, focusing on contaminant levels, ventilation equipment usage, and control measure impact, with regional data from Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Building Science Education: Heat Pump Water Heater Training Module

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Organization(s)
DOE
Publication Date
Training module describing the operation, efficiency, consumer and seller benefits, and cost comparison of Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) against conventional gas, oil, or electric water heaters.