Charles WithersResearch Associate
Buildings Research
(321) 638-1419
chuck@fsec.ucf.edu
Education:
B.S., Secondary Education PhysicsResearch Focus:
Charles Withers is research faculty at the Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central Florida. His research has focused on improving the built environment through decreasing energy use and managing indoor pollutants and moisture. He started research in the early 1990's evaluating radon-resistant construction techniques, and energy and air quality impacts of unmanaged air flow in residential and commercial buildings. Research of causes for unplanned, uncontrolled, and poorly distributed air flow was fundamental in better understanding why certain types of air quality and moisture problems occur in some buildings and not others. More recent research has focused upon improving mechanical ventilation, efficiency of indoor dehumidification, better unvented attic moisture control, and more efficient space conditioning ductwork.
Charles' research and collaboration with government and industry has provided scientific basis for improved building codes and more energy-efficient cost-effective building construction practices. Some of his research has supported or was related to four different national standards that involve determining HVAC air distribution tightness and efficiency (ANSI/ASHRAE 152, ANSI/ASHRAE 193, ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380, and ANSI/RESNET/ACCA 310).
His research results are disseminated through published papers, presentations, and continuing education courses focused on building science designed for building industry professionals. He has won two different awards for published work. He was awarded the 2008 ASHRAE Journal Paper Award for best feature article of the year for "Problems Related to Air Handler Leakage." He was also awarded the 2025 Science and Technology for the Built Environment Best Paper Award for "Estimating internal moisture generation rates in recently constructed, occupied homes in the southeastern United States."