What actions can cause the greatest depressurization in a home?

Using exhaust appliances like dryers and bathroom fans can lead to the greatest depressurization in a home because these devices actively pull air out of the house as they operate. This removal of indoor air can create a vacuum effect, causing outside air to rush in through any available leaks or openings. The more powerful and frequently used these exhaust systems are, such as clothes dryers, kitchen range hoods, and bathroom ventilation fans, the more significant the pressure difference becomes. This effect can be particularly pronounced in tightly sealed buildings where outdoor air infiltration is limited, thereby amplifying the resulting depressurization.

In contrast, opening windows allows outdoor air to enter freely, which counteracts depressurization. Turning off appliances often reduces this effect as it eliminates the active air removal. Increasing the heating temperature may also result in a small amount of air movement due to changes in pressure caused by warm air rising, but it does not directly create the significant depressurization that exhaust appliances do.