Home Systems Research House

The Gas Research Institute sponsored the NAHB Research Center in 1986 to build a house that would be representative of 1990's construction to test and evaluate advanced natural gas home comfort systems and appliances. The Research Center's evaluations provided GRI and its product manufacturing partners with crucial information on product performance prior to commercialization. The evaluation program covered GRI prototype appliances, system performance, interior piping systems, thermal comfort and energy utilization, and integrated appliances.

Some of the advanced gas products tested included:

• Zoned energy distribution
• Direct-vent gas water heater
• Natural gas dryer
• Outdoor gas lights
• Residential cogenerator
• Semirigid interior piping
• SMART gas grill
• SMART gas fireplace
• Compact gas meter
• Desiccant dehumidifier
• Gas engine heat pump
• Portable countertop oven
• Whole house shut-off valve
• Wolf I-R range
• Gas convenience outlets

Information on GRI programs and publications can be obtained by calling GRI at (312) 399-8100.