In the context of airtightness testing, what is the implication of a higher leakage rate?

A higher leakage rate in a building indicates that there are more air leaks, allowing uncontrolled air exchange between the inside and outside of the building. This uncontrolled airflow can lead to significant energy loss, as conditioned air (either heated or cooled) escapes, and unconditioned air enters. Consequently, the HVAC system must work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor environment, resulting in increased energy consumption and reduced energy efficiency. This impact on energy efficiency is a primary consideration in airtightness testing, as one of the goals is to minimize leakage to enhance the building's performance and reduce energy costs.

The other options present scenarios that are not directly supported by a higher leakage rate. Increased structural integrity is unrelated to airtightness, as structural integrity primarily concerns the building's ability to withstand loads without failure. Improved air quality typically results from well-managed ventilation systems, not from increased leakage, which can allow pollutants and outside allergens to enter. Decreased operational costs would generally follow from improved efficiency and lower energy bills, which cannot be achieved with high leakage rates.