BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

A flanged window unit is installed with straps that fasten to the interior surfaces of the plywood extension box; furring strips on each side of the window will be attached after the flanged window is installed and flashed

Publication Date

Fri, 08/13/2021 - 12:00

Window Attachments Offer Added Savings

Author(s)

Gilbride Theresa L

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL

Publication Date

June, 2023

Fact sheet poster describing and comparing the energy-saving and comfort benefits of window attachment options such as low-emissivity storm windows, automated blinds, cellular shades, and solar screens, etc.

Tech Note - Window and Door Flashing: Code Requirements and Best Practices

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs,

National Association of Home Builders

Organization(s)

HIRL,

NAHB

Publication Date

December, 2017

Fact sheet describing best practices for flashing doors and windows to minimize air and water intrusion.

Thin Triple-Pane Windows: Coming Soon to a Hardware Store Near You!

Author(s)

Gilbride Theresa L

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL

Publication Date

May, 2023

Fact sheet poster describing the energy efficiency and comfort benefits of thin triple-pane windows as compared to standard triple-pane and double-pane windows.

Clerestory windows bring light in from above, reflecting it off of surfaces, making it more appealing than the direct light that comes from skylights

The design of this home incorporates multiple methods to reduce summertime solar gains including roll-down exterior blinds, wide exterior horizontal louvers, minimized east/west-facing windows, and vegetation.

Porch roofs, pergolas, and large overhangs can effectively shade windows and doors facing south, southeast, southwest, or even due east or west for most of the day if the overhang is very deep and sufficiently wide.

Sheer shades can provide very effective daylighting and glare control while maintaining a softened view to the outside

Publication Date

Tue, 11/03/2015 - 12:00

Multi-layer honeycomb cellular shades such as these can provide summertime energy savings by blocking and reflecting solar heat, as well as wintertime energy savings by providing added insulation.

Publication Date

Thu, 10/01/2015 - 12:00

Overview of Convection in Buildings

Publication Date

September, 2020

Author(s)

Dillon

Organization(s)

PNNL

This video provides an overview of convection in buildings, with an introduction to Newton's Law of cooling.

Introduction to Heat Transfer

Publication Date

September, 2020

Author(s)

Dillon

Organization(s)

PNNL

This video provides an overview of heat transfer and discusses how heat transfer occurs in residential buildings.

Right – Horizontal overhangs on this house block sunlight in the summer while allowing it in during winter

Infrared photometry shows the impact of a roof overhang on the south façade of a home, where the unshaded patio stonework is significantly hotter than the shaded portions of the patio and wall surfaces (temperature scale shown is in Celsius).

Exterior shading devices such as awnings or overhangs can significantly reduce cooling loads

Publication Date

Sun, 10/14/2007 - 12:00

Dry Floodproofing

Publication Date

November, 2016

Video from LSU AgCenter describing dry floodproofing and how to dry floodproof your home.

Right – This model home for the Solar Decathlon competition incorporates vertical trellises and retractable exterior blinds to control solar heat gain.

Right – Flashing is installed around chimney, skylight, vents, dormers, in valleys and at eaves

Publication Date

Mon, 06/01/2020 - 12:00

These folding louvered porch doors provide effective shade from low-angle east and west sunlight and can open for views; the photovoltaic panels overhead allow in filtered natural light

Wind Safety of the Building Envelope

Author(s)

Smith Tom

Organization(s)

Whole Building Design Guide,

WBDG

Publication Date

June, 2017

Article discussing structural and nonstructural building components and illustrates a variety of wind-induced damages, including wind-driven rain infiltration.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: LifeStyle Homes

Author(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center

Organization(s)

FSEC,

BA-PIRC

Publication Date

March, 2014

Case study describing a new home construction project in Florida.

Builders Challenge Technology Information Packages - Cold Climate: Chicago

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE

Publication Date

December, 2008

Case study describing building in cold and very cold climates.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Conway Street Apartments - Greenfield, Massachusetts

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

December, 2014

Case study describing a deep energy retrofit, turning an old school into 12 high-end apartments in Greenfield, MA.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: Southeast Volusia Habitat for Humanity, Edgewater, FL

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

February, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 49 without PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: Imery Group Proud Green Home, Serenbe, GA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

April, 2014

Case study describing the first DOE Zero Energy Ready Home in Georgia that achieved a HERS score of 40 without PV and -10 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: One Sky Homes, Cottle Zero Net Energy Home, San Jose, CA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 69 without PV and -1 with PV.

DOE ZERH HIA 2014 Case Study: M Street Homes, Smartlux on Greenpark Houston, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

September, 2014

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2014 Housing Innovation Award winner that scored HERS 45 without PV and 32 with PV and is the first home in the world to use a tri-generation system to supply electricity, heating, and cooling on site.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Lancaster County Career and Technology Center Green Home 3 - Mount Joy, Pennsylvania

Author(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Organization(s)

HIRL

Publication Date

December, 2014

Case study describing the Green Home 3 project, which achieved a 44% whole-house energy savings over the Building America New Construction B10 Benchmark, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certification, and National Green Building Standard Gold-level certification.

Home Performance Assessment

Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.

Building Science Introduction - Heat Flow

Information guide providing background information about heat flow in residential buildings.