Do you know the signs of negative air pressure in your home or business? One common sign is that it is very hard to open the door and there is a rush of air once you finally get inside. That rush is known as negative air pressure. This rush of air is caused by your HVAC system exhausting more air than what is brought back into the building from outside air inlets. You will notice this issue the most during very cold temperatures, or hot and humid weather because your system is working at max capacity.
Some other signs of negative air pressure include:
- Dry air
- Random drafts of air
- Condensation
- Whistling or other strange noises
- Increased cooling costs
- Discomfort
- Unusually hot or cold rooms
Houses are more energy efficient and air tight than ever. This can cause problems if you don’t allow your home to “breathe.” For negative air pressure to occur, the pressure inside your home must be lower than the pressure outside. This typically happens when more air is leaving the interior of the home than is being replenished from the outside.
Issues caused by Negative Air Pressure
Unwanted outside air will get in by any means necessary, and with this unfiltered air comes some serious dangers. Some of these dangers include: poor indoor air quality, radon poisoning, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Poor indoor air quality can cause you to have headaches, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, and other allergic reactions. Radon poisoning can cause lung cancer and damage your lungs. Some signs can include difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, and recurring respiratory infections. Backdrafting of carbon monoxide expelled from fuel-fired appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, and boilers can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or even death. It’s important to fix this issue as soon as you notice signs of negative air pressure.
How to Fix Negative Air Pressure
Negative air pressure causes you to be uncomfortable and drastically increases energy consumption. This is one area where you might be able to save on energy costs once fixed. When a home is negative, it will pull air that is unfiltered from the outside through every crack and crevice possible. To avoid this from happening, it’s best to open outside air dampers on your system. Adjusting this will allow the proper amount of outside air to replace the exhaust air. Maintaining positive air pressure within the area is key. Negative air pressure can be prevented by:
- Closing openings in the attic
- Check your ductwork to make any repairs
- Adjust fan motors
- Install a fresh air damper
Contact your Local HVAC Experts at CW Suter Services
Fixing an air pressure issue is usually fairly simple and inexpensive. Your local HVAC experts at CW Suter Services will be able to find the root cause and make recommendations to better control the flow of air in your home. Once the air pressure is balanced, your HVAC system will work more efficiently and you and your family will be safe.
Give us a call today at 712-252-3007 or fill out a form on our website to request an appointment. We have a team ready to help you!