What does infiltration refer to in a building context?

Infiltration refers specifically to the entry of outdoor air into a building through cracks, openings, and other unintentional pathways. This process can occur in any part of the building envelope, including around windows, doors, and even through walls. Understanding infiltration is crucial for assessing energy efficiency because it can significantly affect heating and cooling loads, leading to increased energy costs and discomfort for occupants.

Infiltration can also introduce unwanted moisture and pollutants into the indoor environment, impacting air quality. This makes addressing infiltration a key aspect of energy auditing and building performance improvement. By recognizing and managing infiltration, strategies can be implemented to enhance a building’s overall energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

The other options focus on different aspects of building performance, such as preventing air leaks, installing insulation, or using ventilation systems, which are all essential in creating energy-efficient and healthy indoor environments, but they do not specifically define infiltration.