What is air sealing, and why is it important in building performance?

Air sealing refers to the process of identifying and closing gaps, cracks, and openings in a building's envelope to minimize air leakage. This practice is essential for building performance for several reasons.

Firstly, reducing air leakage helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature by preventing conditioned air from escaping and outside air from entering. This efficiency leads to lower heating and cooling costs as the HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to compensate for lost air.

Secondly, effective air sealing contributes to improved indoor air quality. By minimizing unwanted airflow, it can help reduce the infiltration of outdoor pollutants, allergens, and moisture, leading to a healthier living environment.

Additionally, properly sealed buildings experience fewer drafts, which enhances occupant comfort. It also prevents issues caused by moisture, such as mold growth and structural damage.

In contrast, increasing air flow for ventilation can sometimes lead to issues if not balanced with proper sealing measures. Installing new windows and enhancing natural light, while beneficial in certain contexts, do not specifically address the direct impact of air leakage on energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Therefore, the best understanding of air sealing within the scope of building performance is its role in closing gaps to reduce air leakage.