Which statement about air leakage in houses is false?

Air leakage in houses refers to the unintentional flow of air in and out of the building, which can significantly affect energy efficiency, air quality, and overall comfort. Understanding the dynamics of air leakage is crucial for effective building performance.

The statement that air leakage out always exceeds air leakage in is misleading because, in practice, the amount of air that leaks out of a house can vary based on factors such as building design, construction methods, and environmental conditions. While it is common for houses to have both inflow and outflow of air, they do not always balance in a specific way. Depending on wind pressure, temperature differences, and how well the house is sealed, the rates of air leakage can change. Sometimes air leaking in can exceed what is leaking out, especially in cases where the home is depressurized due to exhaust fans or other factors.

The remaining statements about air leakage all hold true: it allows heat to escape from the house—which can lead to higher heating costs; it is necessary to provide fresh air for ventilation and prevent indoor air quality issues; and it indeed depends on the wind, as wind pressure can greatly influence the movement of air into and out of a structure. This illustrates the complexity of air leakage and the need for careful