What is the impact of insulation on thermal performance?

Insulation plays a crucial role in enhancing the thermal efficiency of a building. It works by slowing down the transfer of heat between the interior and exterior environments, thereby minimizing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. This improved thermal performance leads to more comfortable indoor conditions and can significantly reduce the reliance on heating and cooling systems.

When a building is properly insulated, it maintains a more stable temperature, which in turn leads to lower energy consumption for heating and cooling, contributing to overall energy efficiency. As a result, it not only reduces energy bills but also has a positive impact on the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary benefits of insulation. While design alterations may be affected by insulation choices, insulation itself is not inherently linked to their need or reduction. Insulation should not significantly increase heating costs; in fact, it typically helps decrease them. Lastly, proper insulation does not compromise structural integrity; instead, it is designed to work within the building envelope without negatively affecting the underlying structure. Thus, enhancing thermal efficiency is the primary impact of insulation.