What is the ideal design for an insulation installation to prevent convection?

The ideal design for insulation installation to prevent convection is characterized by having an air barrier on all six sides. This design effectively limits airflow through the insulated space, which is essential for minimizing convection currents. Convection occurs when warmer air rises and cooler air descends, leading to significant heat loss or gain.

By employing an air barrier on all sides—ceilings, walls, and floors—you create a continuous barrier that restricts the movement of air within the insulation cavity. This helps maintain the desired thermal barrier, ensuring that the insulation can perform optimally. It is crucial in managing indoor temperatures efficiently, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing overall comfort in the space.

The other options do not provide the comprehensive approach that an all-encompassing air barrier does. An open-air design would allow for free airflow, leading to increased convection and heat transfer, which defeats the purpose of insulation. Insulation with air gaps can also facilitate convection as the air pockets could create channels for warm air to rise and cool air to replace it. Lastly, insulating only under flooring does not address convection elsewhere in the building envelope and could leave walls and ceilings vulnerable to heat loss or gain.