What impact does air leakage have on a building's energy efficiency?

Air leakage has a significant impact on a building's energy efficiency primarily by increasing energy costs. When there are gaps, cracks, or openings in a building's envelope, conditioned air can escape while unconditioned air can enter. This disruption leads to a greater demand on heating and cooling systems, as they must work harder to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This additional workload consumes more energy, resulting in higher utility bills for the building occupants. Poor air sealing effectively translates to more energy being wasted, as the systems continuously operate to compensate for the loss of conditioned air.

In addition, increased air leakage often leads to drafts and uneven temperatures within the building, further compromising comfort and efficiency. Ultimately, sealing air leaks is a crucial step in enhancing a building's energy performance, reducing both energy consumption and associated costs.