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How to Increase the Barometric Pressure in a Home

Barometric pressure is the weight of air in a particular location. The effects of low air pressure include greater cooking time, reduced oxygen levels, potential breathing difficulties and increased risk that furnaces and combustion appliances will draw dangerous gases into the home. Altitude, rising temperatures and approaching storms contribute to lower pressure. Increasing home air pressure involves more air and lower inside temperatures.

Things You'll Need

Barometer
Supply-only ventilation system
Computer
Internet
Television
Radio
Newspaper

Instructions

- 1
  Determine whether outside air pressure is decreasing. Air tends to move from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. If the outside air pressure falls, air inside can move outside through openings in the home. Warm, moist conditions and approaching precipitation or storms signal a decrease in outside air pressure.
- 2
  
  A kitchen exhaust fan lowers pressure by drawing air from the home.
  
  Turn off exhaust fans or reduce the number of them running in the home. Exhaust fans remove air from inside the house to the outside, lowering the inside air pressure. Avoid using exhaust fans when not using the stove or bathroom or when using the dryer, which uses an exhaust fan.
- 3
  Obtain or install a supply-only ventilation system. Supply-only ventilation uses a fan to force outside air into the home. The ducts channel fresh air into several rooms throughout the home. Inside air leaks through bathroom, stove and other vents.
- 4
  
  Air conditioners can increase air pressure by cooling inside air.
  
  Cool the home by running the air conditioner, opening windows on a cool day or using ceiling fans. Cool air sinks, suppressing air molecules and increasing air pressure. Warmer air rises, lowering air pressure.

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