When insulation is improperly fitted, what general result occurs?

When insulation is improperly fitted, it primarily decreases effectiveness. Properly installed insulation is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency in a home, as it effectively resists heat transfer. When there are gaps, compression, or misalignment in the insulation material, it cannot function as intended. This leads to increased heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, resulting in higher energy bills and reduced comfort within the space.

Insulation's role is to create a barrier against thermal movement, and any defects in its installation undermine this barrier, causing the overall thermal resistance (R-value) to drop. As a result, the space that the insulation is meant to protect becomes harder to regulate in terms of temperature, leading to decreased overall effectiveness. This emphasizes the importance of proper installation techniques and regular inspections to ensure that insulation remains effective in a home.