What is a common consequence of air leaks in a building?

Air leaks in a building can lead to significant issues, with higher energy costs and reduced comfort being a primary consequence. When air leaks occur, unconditioned air can enter the building while conditioned air escapes, making it more challenging to maintain the desired indoor temperature and humidity levels. This results in the heating or cooling system having to work harder to compensate for the loss of conditioned air, which in turn increases energy consumption and costs.

Furthermore, these air leaks can contribute to drafts and uneven temperatures throughout the building, negatively impacting overall indoor comfort. Maintaining a stable and comfortable environment becomes difficult when outside air is constantly infiltrating, leading to discomfort for occupants.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of air leaks. For instance, increased energy efficiency cannot occur if air is leaking, and improved indoor air comfort would not be expected when there are significant air exchanges with the outside environment. Likewise, stating that there is no effect on building performance disregards the fundamental impact that air leakage has on operational efficiency and occupant experience. Thus, the chosen option highlights the critical need to address air barriers and leaks to enhance both energy efficiency and indoor comfort.