Fact sheets

The following fact sheets provide basic how-to information for creating a more energy-efficient home. You will need Adobe's free Acrobat Reader to view this information.

• Energy efficiency makes homes more affordable (261k)
• Energy efficient construction (201k)
• Seal air leaks and save energy (139k)
• Keys to effective wall insulation (148k)
• Combustion equipment safety (135k)
• Ceiling and attic insulation and ventilation (99k)
• Insulating foundation and floors (125k)
• Insulating attic access (89k)
• Blower door and duct blaster testing (104k)

Online resources

• Southface Energy Institute
  Fact sheets and technical bulletins about energy efficiency, water, lighting and indoor air quality.
• Department of Energy’s Building America program
  For technical bulletins, publications and information on affordable, energy-efficient housing research, visit Affordable housing research.
• Energy Star®
  Explore the Energy Star® Tools and resources library for energy management, building designs and performance guides. Find information on how to conduct a home energy audit.
• Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)
  The IRS recognizes certified home energy raters to verify a home's qualification for the new federal tax credit for energy efficient homes. Find certified raters in your state.
• Energy efficient rehab advisor
  For information on how to rehab homes in an energy-efficient and healthy manner, view the Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor for a step-by-step process appropriate to your climate.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rehab Guide
  A set of guidebooks published in 2005 by HUD providing techniques, materials, and technologies for housing rehabilitation. Download the nine-volume Rehab Guide.
• Environmental Protection Agency’s Indoor AirPLUS program
  Learn how to improve the indoor air quality of your home through the EPA’s Indoor AirPLUS program.
• U.S. Department of Energy Builders Challenge
  The Builders Challenge establishes a framework for continuous improvement in homebuilding that will help propel the market toward zero-energy performance.

Guidebooks

• The reHABITAT Guide: For Energy- and Resource-Efficient Retrofit Strategies (2MB .pdf)
• BuildingScience.com’s Energy Efficiency Retrofit Guides
• Habitat for Humanity's U.S. Sustainable Construction Standards manual (4MB .pdf)