What happens when insulation is poorly installed?

When insulation is poorly installed, it often results in thermal bypass, which significantly diminishes the energy efficiency of a building. Thermal bypass occurs when air can flow around or through insulation materials due to gaps, voids, or improper placement. This means that conditioned air can escape, and unconditioned air can infiltrate, leading to substantial heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Consequently, this inefficiency forces heating and cooling systems to work harder, resulting in higher energy bills and decreased comfort levels inside the home.

Effective insulation should create a continuous thermal barrier without gaps that would allow air movement. In contrast, when insulation is clumped, compressed, or misaligned, it cannot perform its intended function of maintaining a stable indoor temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, the relationship between poorly installed insulation and thermal bypass is crucial for understanding energy efficiency in buildings.