What does the measurement of air leakage help to assess in buildings?

The measurement of air leakage is primarily used to assess energy efficiency in buildings. When air leaks through cracks, gaps, and holes, it leads to unintended airflow which can significantly affect the HVAC systems' performance. Consequently, the more airflow occurs, the more energy is required to heat or cool the interior spaces, which can drive up energy consumption and costs.

While thermal comfort is related to the overall energy efficiency of a building, as drafts and uneven temperatures can affect how comfortable the occupants feel, air leakage measurements do not directly assess structural integrity. Therefore, the focus of air leakage measurements remains largely on identifying opportunities for improving energy efficiency by sealing leaks and ensuring that the building envelope performs properly.

Selecting energy efficiency as the sole focus is appropriate because it is the main purpose behind measuring air leakage—the goal typically revolves around reducing energy wastage and improving the overall sustainability of a building system.