How does indoor air quality (IAQ) impact energy efficiency?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) significantly impacts energy efficiency primarily because poor IAQ can lead to increased energy consumption for heating and cooling systems. When air quality is compromised, it can result from factors such as inadequate ventilation, humidity issues, and elevated pollutant levels, which may prompt HVAC systems to work harder to maintain comfortable indoor conditions.

For example, if the indoor air contains pollutants or is stuffy, heating and cooling systems may need to run longer or more frequently to achieve the desired temperature and freshness of air. This increase in operational time leads to a higher energy demand, ultimately resulting in greater energy consumption. Therefore, the connection between IAQ and energy efficiency highlights the importance of maintaining a good indoor environment not only for health purposes but also for optimizing energy use.

In contrast, when indoor air quality is good, ventilation systems can operate more efficiently, potentially reducing the load on heating and cooling systems. This leads to decreased energy consumption, enhancing overall energy efficiency in the building.