BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Vented and Sealed Attics in Hot Climates, RR-0981

Reference

Building science report describing issues with vented attics in hot-humid climates and how sealed attic construction may be a solution.

Residential Dehumidification Systems Research for Hot-Humid Climates

Reference

Research study identifying the best performing, most energy-efficient and cost- effective techniques to provide controlled mechanical ventilation and humidity control in hot- humid climates with thermally efficient building envelopes.

Advanced HVAC Humidity Control for Hot-Humid Climates

Reference

The research report outlines a practical and cost-effective strategy utilizing central HVAC systems to optimize humidity control and ventilation in energy-efficient homes located in hot-humid climates, demonstrating significant improvements without requiring complex equipment upgrades.

Three’s A Crowd: Energy Efficiency, Humidity and Ventilation in Humid Climate Zones

Presentation

Webinar from Joseph Hillenmeyer of Aprilaire on efficiently managing humidity within the building envelope through proper ventilation. Free EEBA login required.

BSC Information - Supplemental Humidity Control for Hot-Humid Climates, Sheet 620

Reference

Information sheet offering general recommendations on supplemental humidity control and outlines viable system configurations.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Improving Comfort in Hot-Humid Climates with a Whole-House Dehumidifier

Case Study

Case study describing how to decrease indoor moisture using an air conditioning unit with a dehumidifier in hot-humid climates.

Building America Top Innovations 2012: Moisture and Ventilation Solutions in Hot, Humid Climates: Florida Manufactured Housing

Case Study

Case study describing a 2012 DOE Building America Top Innovation on ventilation strategies in hot and humid climates developed and assessed by the Florida Solar Energy Center.

Right – A ventilating dehumidifier with a fresh air intake is tied into the central duct system of this mixed-humid climate home.

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This house design in the Hot-Humid climate uses a slab foundation, masonry walls, and an Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) cladding.

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In hot, humid climates, passive cooling should focus on shading, airflow through cross ventilation and ceiling fans, and low-mass construction

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Example standalone dehumidifier option in a 1-story home closet

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Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)

Video

Video describing the Cold Climate Housing Research Center heat recovery ventilator system.

Jorge and Paul's Adventure with HRV

Video

Video describing the importance of a heat recovery ventilator system and potential moisture problems that can be prevented through its use in cold climates like Alaska.

A supplemental dehumidifier can be integrated with the central air handler

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An independent ducted dehumidifier draws air from and supplies air to the living space using its own ducts, not ducts that are connected to the HVAC system

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The dehumidifier draws air from a common area in the house, dehumidifies it, and adds it to the supply side of the central air handler for mixing and distribution

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The dehumidifier draws air from a common area in the house, dehumidifies it, and adds it to the return side of the air handler for conditioning, mixing, and distribution

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Encapsulated Ducts

Guide

Guide that illustrates how and when to encapsulate ductwork in unconditioned attics, increasing the R-value of duct insulation, mitigating condensation issues, and reducing air leakage.

Effect of Occupant Behavior and Air Conditioner Controls on Humidity in Typical and Low-Load Homes

Presentation

Webinar describing the effect of occupant behavior and air conditioner controls on humidity in typical and low-load homes.

Moisture Control for Residential Buildings

Reference

Report providing extensive guidance on controlling moisture in building envelopes through proper selection and installation on air, water, thermal, and vapor barriers.

Whole-House Dehumidification

Guide

Guide describing options for adding dehumidification equipment to a home to maintain indoor relative humidity below 60%.

A supplemental dehumidifier is integrated with the home’s HVAC air handler to provide extra dehumidification when needed

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The dehumidifier draws air from both a common area in the house and from outside, dehumidifies it, and adds it to the supply side of the air handler for distribution

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Ducts Buried in Attic Insulation and Encapsulated

Guide

Guide describing approaches to burying and encapsulating ducts in unconditioned attics to increase the overall R-value of duct insulation.

Stump the Building Chump – Joe Lstiburek

Presentation

Webinar answering code-related questions on insulating historic masonry buildings, mechanical ventilation, combustion equipment, excessive humidity build-up, skylights, and vapor retarders on interior walls.

Building America Webinar: High Performance Space Conditioning Systems, Part I

Presentation

Webinar explaining strategies to improve the performance of HVAC systems for low load homes and home performance retrofits.

Air Infiltration in Coastal Regions - The Paston Effect

Reference

Case study about high humidity, mold and condensation on surfaces in S. Florida, and how building characteristics cause and amplify these problems.

ACCA Manual RS - Comfort, Air Quality, and Efficiency by Design

Reference

The manual covers residential zoning issues - multiple, single-zone, and central multi-zone systems - and includes advice on working with homeowners to adapt the heating or cooling system design to meet modern home design features.

Health in the Ultimate Z.E.N. Home

Presentation

Webinar from Rich Binsacca, Bill Rectanus, Nicholas Hurst, Josephh Hillenmeyer, Russell Pope on steps that the team at Thrive Home Builder's Ultimate Z.E.N Home in Denver, Colorado, have taken to improve health standards within the home, focusing on optimal filtration and humidity. Free EEBA login...

No Vapor Retarders on Interior Side of Air-Permeable Foundation Insulation

Guide

Vapor retarder plastic should not be installed over fibrous insulation on basement or crawlspace walls; rigid foam or spray foam should be installed directly against the concrete, behind the blanket insulation.