BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Lumens and the Lighting Facts Label

Reference

A website explaining lumens & how to compare the amount of light that lightbulbs can produce when shopping for replacements.

Color and Mood

Reference

A website explaining the various shades of light, from warm to cool colors, with a visual diagram illustrating the various shades of light.

Off-Grid Inverter Comparison Chart

Reference

Website providing comparison charts and reviews of off-grid inverters for solar power systems.

DOE Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers Program

Reference

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

Small Wind Electric Systems

Reference

A website discussing the use of consumer-grade small electric wind systems such as turbines to lower energy costs.

LED Bulbs Made Easy

Reference

A fact sheet providing information on ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs & how to find the right one to fit your lighting fixture.

What are the Connections between Mercury and CFLs?

Reference

A website explaining the connection between using compact fluorescent lightbulbs and the amount of mercury released into the environment.

Light Bulbs

Reference

A website explaining why homeowners should install ENERGY STAR certified lightbulbs, which helps to save homeowners on utility bills and protect the environment.

New and Substantially Improved Buildings - Electrical Systems

Reference

Guide for electrical systems design including installation guidance and best practices for flood-prone areas.

Analysis and Representation of Miscellaneous Electric Loads in NEMS

Reference

Report with updated energy consumption data for 28 residential & commercial miscellaneous electric loads (MELs), including projections to 2040.

Advanced Power Strip Research Report

Reference

Report investigating implemention of advanced power strips for entertainment and home office electronics would reduce energy consumption across the residential market.

Residential Solar System Guidelines

Reference

Brochure detailing the guidelines, recommendations, and preferences of the City of Burnsville for citizens installing solar photovoltaics.

Using Backup Generators: Choosing the Right Backup Generator - Homeowners

Reference

A reference guide providing basic tips on using backup generators safely and effectively.

2014 Florida Building Code - Energy Conservation, Fifth Edition

Reference

Code describing energy codes for energy-conserving and compliant designs in Florida.

Choose A Light Guide

Reference

A simple three-step guide for homeowners who are looking to replace existing light bulbs with more energy-efficient, higher-performing bulbs.

Recycling and Disposal of CFLs and Other Bulbs that Contain Mercury

Reference

A website explaining the benefits of recycling compact fluorescent lightbulbs and how the process can prevent the release of mercury into the environment.

AC vs. DC Coupling Energy Storage Systems

Reference

Website article describing the advantages and disadvantages of AC and DC battery energy storage systems and inverters for solar power systems.

Raise Electrical System Components - Protecting Your Property from Flooding

Reference

Flyer describing reasons and best practices for raising electrical systems above flood-levels.

How to air seal attic electrical boxes – Rule Your Attic! With ENERGY STAR

Video

Video describing how homeowners can save energy by air sealing their home's attic electrical boxes.

Solar Battery System Types - AC Vs DC Coupled

Reference

Website article describing the way solar panels are coupled to AC and DC battery energy storage systems.

Saving Energy through Advanced Power Strips

Reference

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.

Solar Photovoltaic - Specification, Checklist and Guide

Reference

Guidelines to assist builders in designing and constructing homes equipped with a set of features that make the installation of solar energy systems after the completion of the home’s construction easier and less expensive.

Learn About LED Lighting

Reference

A website explaining the basics of LED lightning, their lifespan, their use in general lighting applications, the amount of heat produced, and why you should choose ENERGY STAR certified LED products for your home.

AC vs. DC Coupled Energy Storage Systems: What’s the Difference?

Reference

Website article describing pros and cons of DC and AC batteries and explaining that AC batteries are less expensive than DC batteries.

NFPA 70: National Electric Code

Reference

This standard provides a benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards and has been adopted in all 50 states.

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

A FAQ explaining the purpose of the Energy Independence and Security Act, a law which sets energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs.

AC Coupled for Blackout Protection? No Thanks

Reference

Website article comparing DC and AC batteries and explaining that DC batteries have black start ability to restart from solar power while providing AC batteries need grid power to restart if fully discharged.

Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings

Reference

Website highlighting the DOE Building Technologies Office Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings Initiative, including technical reports, other publications, resources, and presentations.

Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings Technical Report Series - Whole Building Controls, Sensors, Modeling, and Analytics

Reference

Report addressing the current state of these technologies and the challenges of adapting these to the GEB context.

ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2021 - Clothes Dryers

Reference

A list of clothes dryers that made the EnergyStar Most Efficient list for 2021, delivering cutting technological innovation along with energy efficiency.