How does air leakage impact energy efficiency in a building?

Air leakage significantly impacts energy efficiency within a building by allowing unconditioned air to enter and conditioned air to escape. This unintended exchange can lead to increased heating and cooling demands on HVAC systems as they work harder to maintain the desired indoor temperatures. As a result, higher energy consumption occurs, which directly translates to increased energy costs for the occupants.

In a well-sealed building, the HVAC systems can operate more efficiently because they don't have to compensate for the loss of conditioned air, leading to lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact. Therefore, recognizing and addressing air leakage is critical in improving the overall energy efficiency of buildings. This understanding highlights the importance of proper sealing and insulation to minimize energy waste and optimize the performance of HVAC systems.