How does equatorial preference influence the stability of pyranose chair conformations?

Equatorial preference destabilizes the conformation by increasing steric hindrance with bulky groups in axial positions.

Equatorial preference stabilizes the conformation by maximizing steric hindrance with bulky groups in axial positions.

Equatorial preference stabilizes the conformation by minimizing steric hindrance with bulky groups in equatorial positions.

Equatorial preference has no impact on stability as it only affects the flexibility of the conformation.