You can fix negative air pressure in your house by balancing the amount of air being exhausted with the amount of air being supplied, and by providing dedicated makeup air for large exhaust devices. Start by identifying the sources, if you run a high-CFM range hood, dryer, bathroom fans, and fireplace at the same time, avoid running them simultaneously or crack a window in the kitchen when using the range hood to provide makeup air. For a permanent fix, install a makeup air system that interlocks with your range hood, which automatically brings in outside air when the hood runs, many building codes now require this for hoods over 400 CFM. Have your HVAC contractor check for leaky return ducts in attics or crawlspaces and seal them, and ensure supply and return airflow are balanced. Add a fresh air intake or an energy recovery ventilator or heat recovery ventilator that brings in filtered outside air while conserving energy. If you have a fireplace, provide a dedicated outside air kit for combustion so it does not suck air from the house. Adjust or close exhaust fan dampers that may be stuck open. In tightly sealed homes, consider adding a powered makeup air unit with a filter. You can test pressure with a simple tissue test at a slightly open door, if tissue pulls inward strongly, you have negative pressure. For safety, install carbon monoxide detectors and ensure fuel-burning appliances are not backdrafting, which is a sign of dangerous negative pressure that requires immediate professional attention from an HVAC or energy auditor.
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