A leaky building envelope can lead to which of the following?

A leaky building envelope can significantly affect the efficiency of HVAC systems and increase the load on the equipment. When there are leaks in the building envelope, outside air can infiltrate the conditioned space, introducing unconditioned air and making it more challenging for the HVAC system to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This results in the system working harder, leading to increased energy consumption and potentially higher operational costs.

This inefficiency causes an elevated load on the equipment, as it must compensate for the losses in heating or cooling due to drafts, which can further shorten the lifespan of the HVAC components and lead to more frequent repairs. In contrast, higher indoor humidity levels, while a consequence of poor envelope performance, usually requires separate strategies to manage, and options that suggest lower utility bills or sufficient air circulation do not align with the expected outcomes of a leaky envelope. Thus, the focus is on the direct impact of equipment efficiency and load as a result of compromised building integrity.