How does an air barrier system contribute to energy efficiency?

An air barrier system plays a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency by preventing energy loss through air infiltration. Air infiltration occurs when unconditioned air enters a building through unintended gaps and cracks in the building envelope, leading to significant energy waste as heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain the desired internal temperature.

By creating a continuous barrier that restricts unwanted air movement, an air barrier system effectively seals the building envelope. This results in a more stable indoor environment, reduces the demand on HVAC systems, and ultimately decreases energy consumption. Additionally, it helps in maintaining indoor comfort by minimizing drafts and humidity issues.

The other options do not directly relate to energy efficiency. While reducing construction time and lowering material costs might be beneficial for overall project management and budget constraints, they do not specifically address how energy efficiency is achieved. Similarly, enhancing visual design is important for aesthetics but does not influence the energy performance of a building. Therefore, the key contribution of an air barrier system to energy efficiency is its role in preventing air infiltration.