What can result from negative pressure in a space?

Negative pressure in a space occurs when the air pressure inside is lower than the air pressure outside. This difference in pressure can lead to infiltration, which is the process by which outside air is drawn into a building through unintentional openings or cracks in the building envelope. Infiltration can increase energy costs, reduce indoor air quality, and affect the performance of heating and cooling systems.

When negative pressure is created, for instance by exhaust fans or other forms of ventilation, outside air will seek to enter the space to equalize the pressure. This means that any gaps, cracks, or openings will allow air to flow in, potentially carrying along contaminants, allergens, and moisture, which can have a variety of impacts on health and comfort within the building.

The other terms mentioned—filtration, deflation, and diffusion—do not directly relate to the concept of negative pressure in the same way that infiltration does. Filtration typically refers to a process of removing particles from air or water, while deflation may suggest a loss of air or pressure but not necessarily with a focus on the movement of outside air into a space. Diffusion involves the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration and is not inherently linked to pressure differences