Air Pressure

Air Pressure, also known as barometric pressure, refers to the pressure air exerts on everything in a room. High air pressure means the air is usually still and can allow the build-up of pollutants in the room. Low air pressure in your home results in negative air pressure.

Air pressure is important because excessive air pressure can cause discomfort. In addition, the air pressure in a room influences its ventilation and the amount of air that flows in and out of the room.

It’s best to match the air pressure of the ambient air outside your home, so you can avoid positive or negative pressure in the home. Even if you’re at sea level, changes in the weather can cause changes in the air pressure. It is measured in millibars (mbar).

This level of atmospheric pressure is considered normal and will typically result in good ventilation and airflow, and doesn’t cause any symptoms or adverse effects on most people.

Having a higher pressure in your home compared to the outside air can cause positive air pressure, which results in little movement of the air and less ventilation.

Increased air pressure can cause headaches and migraines, and even affect blood pressure. Those with joint pain can experience arthritis flare ups. The increased pressure can also affect the inner ear canal, which can affect the sense of balance.

Air pressure is also a good indication of weather changes. The chances of rain is very high or you’ll have cloudless skies if it’s not raining.

SOURCE: NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, ISRN METEOROLOGY

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