Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

Which is a key benefit of positively pressurizing a building?

1. To minimize outdoor air infiltration

2. Microorganisms have a slower growth rate in a pressurized environment

3. To improve energy performance

4. Exhausting pollution sources like humidity in a bathroom

The correct answer is: To minimize outdoor air infiltration

Positively pressurizing a building primarily serves to minimize outdoor air infiltration. When a building is under positive pressure, the internal air pressure is higher than that of the outdoor environment. This pressure difference prevents outside air, which may carry pollutants, allergens, or moisture, from entering the building. Consequently, this helps maintain better indoor air quality and can contribute to a more controlled and comfortable indoor environment. While other options touch on various aspects of indoor air management, they do not directly address the fundamental outcome of achieving positive pressure. For instance, while pressurization can have some impact on energy performance or humidity control, minimizing unwanted outdoor air infiltration is a primary and significant reason for employing this strategy in building management.