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.
Report about four homes in the Tennessee Valley built to showcase 50% greater energy efficiency compared to homes built to local code.
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.
Website with consumer information about duct cleaning.
Report evaluating the renovation of a 5,800-ft2, multiuse facility located in St. Petersburg, on the west coast of central Florida, in the hot-humid climate.
Report summarizing commissioning, short-term testing, and analysis that occurred before, during, and just after the actual retrofit of the Bay Ridge project.
Report describing construction of test homes in Atlanta, GA meeting Building America savings targets and serving as a basis of design for other homes Martin Dodson plans to build within the Serenbe community.
Information sheet about air sealing.
Report on hybrid ventilation methods for insulated and sealed crawl spaces.
Information sheet with information about sealing combustion appliances for indoor air quality.
Article describing how insulating and air sealing unfinished attic spaces can lead to reduced energy bills in some homes.
ENERGY STAR pool volume calculator in a spreadsheet format.
Infographic providing details on choosing the right advanced power strip based on your habits to reduce the electricity wasted when your electronic devices are idle.
Document discussing changes in testing the annual performance ratings for solar water heaters.
Information sheet about window retrofit strategies for hot-dry climates.
Information sheet about envelope and roof moisture control retrofit for a home.
Information sheet describing tankless hot water heating systems in existing homes.
Information about a roof retrofit using a metal, cool roof system.
Information sheet describing solar hot water systems in existing homes.
Information sheet describing tankless hot water heating systems in existing homes.
Information sheet describing solar PV upgrade for an existing homes.
Information sheet about HVAC equipment design to maximize energy efficiency in the hot-dry climate zone.
Information sheet about exterior insulation in the hot-dry climate zones.
Information sheet about insulation retrofits for the hot-dry climate zones.
This report discusses proposed updates to the pool pumps and motors, and portable electric spas standards in the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (California Code of Regulations, Title 20, Sections 1601 to 1609). These proposed updates are part of the 2012 Appliance Efficiency Rulemaking, Phase I (Docket #15-AAER-02).
Document reviewing current and potential ventilation technologies for residential buildings with particular emphasis on North American climates and construction.
This research paper outlines residential HVAC advanced controls and sensors. It includes a technology review, applications, maintenance and commissioning, occupant behavior and a summary of the state-of-the-art technologies for advanced controls for residential HVAC.
Report about a deep energy retrofit Cool Energy House.
Article describing how replacing PSC motors with ECMs can boost bottom line and improve customer comfort.
Report about cost effective energy-efficient upgrades that can be implemented in the hot, dry Southwest climate.
This project analyzed combined condensing water heaters or boilers and hydronic air coils to provide high efficiency domestic hot water (DHW) and forced air space heating. Called "combi" systems, they provided similar space and water heating performance less expensively than installing two condensing appliances. The system's...
Report presenting results of a laboratory experiment studying combi systems as a mode to eliminate safety issues associated with natural draft appliances.
Report about a tool developed to enable users to compare a typical 1970s ranch home against an IECC 2009 code_compliant home of the same configuration and against the 70s base case plus retrofits.
Report describing procedures for increasing sensible efficiencies through increased flow rates across the air handling unit and increased indoor coil sizes.
Report on air-sealing programs for energy-efficiency retrofits.
Report identifying steps to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.
Report describing the costs, benefits, and challenges of attic insulation retrofits in HUD-code manufactured homes.
Research study about a high performance retrofit of an existing brick building (a former convent) into condominiums, all affordable housing.
Report describing research efforts focused on examining the audit reports for quality, comprehensiveness, and consistency.
Report summarizing the results of laboratory testing of 20 advanced power strip products.
Report describing modification of model specifications to include guidance on energy efficiency measures is one approach that developers such as Mercy Housing of Denver, Colorado, are using to support their project teams.
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.