How does air sealing improve a home’s energy performance?

Air sealing significantly enhances a home's energy performance primarily by eliminating air leaks, which in turn boosts the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. When air leaks are present, conditioned air easily escapes from the living space, causing HVAC systems to work harder to maintain desired indoor temperatures. This increased workload leads to higher energy consumption and operational costs.

By sealing these leaks, you create a more controlled indoor environment where the HVAC system can operate as intended without the unnecessary loss of conditioned air. This improves energy efficiency, lowers utility bills, and often extends the lifespan of the HVAC equipment due to reduced strain. In addition, improved air sealing can lead to better indoor air quality by minimizing the infiltration of outdoor pollutants and excess humidity, further enhancing the overall comfort and health of the occupants.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary benefits of air sealing in improving energy performance. For instance, while managing humidity can be a positive consequence of good air sealing, increasing indoor humidity levels is generally not a goal when enhancing energy efficiency. Hence, option B stands out as the clear explanation of how effective air sealing contributes to a home's energy performance.