What is the primary goal of measuring air infiltration in a building?

The primary goal of measuring air infiltration in a building is to evaluate energy loss. Understanding the amount of unintentional air entering or leaving a building through cracks and openings is crucial for several reasons. This measurement helps to identify how much conditioned air escapes, which directly affects the energy efficiency of a building. When warm or cool air leaks out, energy systems must work harder to maintain desired indoor temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption.

Measuring air infiltration enables building professionals to implement strategies that minimize these losses, contributing to overall energy efficiency and comfort. By quantifying air leaks, it becomes possible to make informed decisions about insulation, sealing techniques, and mechanical ventilation systems that work together to enhance the building's performance.

While assessing thermal resistance and cooling efficiency are important components of building performance, they are secondary in relation to the immediate goal of understanding and mitigating energy loss associated with air movement. Similarly, managing refrigerants pertains to HVAC systems but does not directly relate to the measurement of air infiltration in the context of energy loss assessment.