What is the primary role of an air barrier in a home?

The primary role of an air barrier in a home is to prevent air leaks that can affect energy efficiency. An air barrier is a continuous system that helps to limit the uncontrolled movement of air in and out of the building envelope. This is essential for maintaining a home’s energy performance, as uncontrolled air leakage can lead to significant energy loss, resulting in higher heating and cooling costs.

By effectively sealing gaps, joints, and penetrations in the building structure, an air barrier helps to ensure that conditioned air stays inside the home, while outside air, moisture, and pollutants are kept out. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to a more comfortable indoor environment, as it helps to regulate temperatures.

The other options, while related to building performance and comfort, do not specifically align with the primary function of an air barrier. For example, although an air barrier can indirectly improve indoor air quality by reducing the entry of pollutants, its main purpose is related to air leakage prevention. Similarly, while the aesthetics of a building and sound insulation are important considerations in construction, they do not directly relate to the essential function of an air barrier.