What impact does adding more insulation have on a building's energy efficiency?

Adding more insulation generally increases a building's energy efficiency by reducing the amount of heat transferred through its walls, ceiling, and floors. Insulation works by slowing the movement of heat, which helps to keep buildings warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. When insulation levels are improved, it leads to less energy being required for heating and cooling, thereby decreasing energy bills and increasing comfort for occupants.

Moreover, improved insulation can lead to a more stable indoor environment, which contributes to energy savings. With better insulation, HVAC systems do not have to work as hard to maintain desired temperatures, leading to less energy consumption and potentially extending the lifespan of these systems.

In contrast to the other choices, decreasing efficiency would imply that the building is losing energy more rapidly, which contradicts the primary purpose of insulation. Similarly, having no effect would suggest that insulation is irrelevant to energy performance, which is not the case as substantial research supports the benefits of insulation. While balancing energy load is a consideration in energy management, it does not encapsulate the primary effect of insulation on overall efficiency, which is typically marked by an increase in efficiency when more insulation is applied thoughtfully.