Library

The main principle of smart ventilation used in this study is to shift ventilation from time periods with large indoor-outdoor temperature differences, to periods where these differences are smaller, and their energy impacts are expected to be less.

Research report describing the development of standardized test methods for PM2.5 and CO2 sensors enabling reliable, low-cost indoor air quality monitoring and improvement.

Website helping communities address coastal issues with data, tools, and training resources.

Website discusses differences between CFL and LED bulbs.

Online database with efficiency information about residential HVAC systems and commercial refrigeration equipment.

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.

Report identifying codes and standards that embody the concepts of resiliency.

A guide on the use of rain barrels for greater water efficiency and use in gardens and lawns.

Guidelines from PG&E outlining how to stay safe during a flood event by shutting off natural gas and electric service to the home.

A research paper exploring the installation and mounting of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops and the challenges faced by system designers and installers.

ENERGY STAR Key product criteria for dishwashers.

Report outlining the issues with using existing ducts with a new low-load HVAC system, which reduces throw at supply registers causing decreased mixing of supply and room air, leading to potential thermal comfort complaints.

Webpage providing a step-by-step guide for replacing the exterior caulking on your home.

Webpage describing the benefits of installing insulation on a water heater, including descriptions of different types of tank insulation.

Article describing risks of living in wildfire-prone areas of southern California and ways to reduce risks to homes and communities.

A website by the U.S. DOE highlighting the potential energy savings from upgrading energy inefficient windows with low-emissivity.

Webpage providing a guide for homeowners to follow when installing a water heater blanket on their electric resistance water heater.

Website providing information on U.S. residential and commercial building codes including adoption status.

Website for the U.S. DOE Solar Decathlon competition.

Simple web-based tool allowing homeowners to calculate the potential savings from installing a cool roof.

A PDF containing the SERC Solar PV System Field-Inspection Checklist.

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.

Website listing implementation timelines and links to various versions of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home national program requirements.

PDF file explaining the DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home National Requirements (Rev. 04).

Homepage for DOE's Zero Energy Ready Homes program.

Checklist for the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program Requirements Mandatory Requirement 7 (Renewable Ready).

Checklist describing solar water heating recommendations per the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program.

Fact sheet poster describing benefits and qualification of U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) certified Zero Energy Ready Homes and providing eight examples of certified homes.

Information about dense pack, cellulose insulation.

Article describing the difference between swales and hugels (berms used to create soil from woody debris).

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...

Information sheet providing information about investigating the thermal effect of staggering the inner and outer wall studs on double walls in new construction.

Report covering the rainwater performance of building assemblies.

Brochure describing drainage planes, also referred to as water resistive barriers.

Fact sheet describing drip irrigation for landscaping.

Information sheet with safety tips for home owners on proper maintenance of clothes dryers.

A quick guide from the California Division of the State Architect (DSA) explaining the three types of gas shutoff devices to stop the flow of natural gas into buildings in the event of an earthquake or rupture of the gas line.

Website for finding policies and incentives by state for renewables and efficiency.

Information sheet with HVAC duct insulation, testing, maintenance and performance information.

Report identifying two barriers that limit the ability of builders to explore opportunities for higher levels of energy efficiency in housing: the use of duct system materials that inherently achieve airtightness and are right-sized for low-load houses, and, the ability to air seal fire separation...

Webpage describing the successes and ongoing efforts of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's Go Ductless ductless heat pump program which successfully encouraged the installation of more than 150,000 minisplit heat pumps in the Northwest between 2010 and 2021.

Webpage describing the advantages and disadvantages of ductless mini-split air conditioner.

Research report with results from field tests in two homes in Austin, Texas, from October 2011 to June 2012 to evaluate the comfort performance of ductless mini-split heat pumps

Designer checklist covering hazards involving ground and surface water, rain and water vapor, HVAC and plumbing, sunlight, insects, decay, and natural hazards, and builder checklist covering all disaster resistance, sorted by building component.

Report on how airtighness changes as houses age.

Case study describing foundation wall moisture studies at a research facility in Minnesota run by Building America team NorthernSTAR.

Technical report describing design and construction methodologies for durable balconies and decks, focusing on proper sloping, flashing, drainage, and ventilation to mitigate moisture-related issues.

Webpage providing details of an experimental earth tube installation at the Clean Energy Exhibition in Georgia.

Factsheet describing how to secure refrigerators and other major appliances to wall studs using earthquake appliance straps or angle brackets and bolts.

Factsheet describing how to secure televisions, microwaves, computers, and other electronics to prevent damage during earthquakes.