Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) Practice Test

Which term describes uncontrolled inward air leakage into a building?

1. infiltration

2. U-factor

3. R-value

4. fenestration

The correct answer is: infiltration

Infiltration describes the uncontrolled inward air leakage into a building. This term is important in the context of building performance and energy efficiency because it highlights how outside air can inadvertently enter through cracks, gaps, and openings in a building's envelope. This unregulated movement of air can lead to increased heating or cooling costs as the building's HVAC system works harder to maintain indoor temperatures. Understanding infiltration helps construction supervisors develop strategies to minimize such energy losses, contributing to tighter and more energy-efficient building designs. The other terms are related but refer to different concepts. The U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer through building components, quantifying thermal performance. R-value, meanwhile, is a measure of thermal resistance, indicating how well a building material insulates against heat flow. Fenestration refers to the design and placement of windows and doors in a building, which can also play a role in air leakage, but it does not specifically denote uncontrolled air movement like infiltration does.