The Stack Effect and How it Affects Home Comfort | Complete Basement Systems of MN

Every building is subject to a physics phenomenon known as "the stack effect". It relates to the way the air moves inside enclosed structures. The warm air always moves upwards, escaping through the attic, roof and any openings on the higher levels of the building. As a result, a negative pressure area is created at the bottom of the structure, causing a lot of unconditioned air to be sucked in from the crawl space or basement.

When your crawl space or your basement is damp, dirty and moldy, moisture, mold spores, dust mite pellets and any pollutants found in these areas are being carried into the living area with the air that is seeping in. In fact 1/3 of the air you and your family breathe at any given moment in your house is coming straight from your basement or crawl space.

That air is not only ruining your indoor air quality, it is also making your HVAC system work harder to keep your home comfortable -- and in some cases, you may experience uneven temperatures throughout the house with rooms that are too cold in winter and too hot during the summer.