Checklist: A primer for passive solar By Maggie Leslie on 03/22/2010 If designed properly, a home can be heated with minimal additional cost by using passive solar. By simply siting the home and allocating glazing properly, a home can take advantage of our free, readily available heating source: the sun. Aligned...
Technical Resources
There are exciting technological advancements being made in sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency and air quality. Find more information on these continuously evolving methods and materials on this page.
Sustainable Site Development
Erosion Control for Home Builders – Erosion control is important even for home sites of an acre or less.
Water Efficiency
Rainwater Harvesting – Installing a rainwater harvesting system is one way to reduce outdoor water use by collecting water during the rainy season that can be used during droughts.
Save Money and Water! – Improving the efficiency of the ways you use water in your home can save you money, as well as help, protect a valuable natural resource.
Water Heating Energy – Efficient strategies for supplying hot water in the home.
Energy Efficiency
Air Sealing – Technology fact sheet for Air Sealing to seal air leaks and save energy!
Air Sealing – Advanced energy tech tips and photos for Air Sealing.
Attic Access – Technology fact sheet to provide adequate insulation coverage and air sealing for the access between the living space and the unconditioned attic.
Brick Pockets – Brick pockets can lead to air leakage and moisture vapor entry into a house.
Cantilevers – Technical tips and photos.
Ceiling Voids – Technical tips and photos.
Shafts and Chases – Technical tips and photos. All shafts and chases that terminate in the attic are a potential source of heat loss and gain.
Duct Systems – Technology fact sheet for air distribution system design to increase efficiency.
Right-Size Heating and Cooling Equipment – Technology fact sheet- The correct size improves comfort and reduces costs, maintenance, and energy use.
Air Distribution System Installation and Sealing – Technology fact sheet- Proper duct installation increases efficiency.
Installing Insulation – Advanced energy technical tips and photos.
Insulating Double Walls – Technical tips and photos.
Insulating Dropped Ceilings – Technical tips and photos.
Pinched Batts – Technical tips and photos.
Proper Duct Sealing – Technical tips and photos.
Soffits – Technical tips and photos.
Tubs and Showers on Exterior Walls – How to prevent air leakage and moisture vapor movement into the exterior walls.
Wall Insulation – Properly sealed, moisture-protected, and insulated walls help increase comfort, reduce noise, and save on energy costs.
Weather-Resistive Barriers – How to select and install house wrap and other types of weather-resistive barriers.
Indoor Air Quality
Garage To House Wall – The garage to house wall is a large source of potential air leakage.
Whole-House Ventilation Systems – How to improve the control of air quality.