How can smoke be used in identifying air leakage?

Using smoke to identify air leakage is effective because it serves as a visual aid that can illustrate the movement of air in a space. When smoke is introduced into an environment, it provides clear visual cues that indicate the direction and paths of airflow. This is especially useful during specific tests aimed at identifying leaks, as technicians can see where the smoke flows in and out of a structure, highlighting areas of unexpected air movement.

This method allows professionals to quickly pinpoint problem areas in the building envelope, such as gaps, cracks, or other penetrations that could compromise energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The visual nature of smoke makes it easier for technicians and building occupants alike to understand where improvements are needed to enhance the building's air barrier system.

The other options presented do not effectively relate smoke to the identification of air leakage in the same manner. For instance, blocking incoming odors does not help in locating leaks, measuring temperature differences does not provide a direct visual representation of air movement, and enhancing insulation performance does not involve detecting airflow or leaks.