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Make-up air
Make-up air is fresh air that replaces air removed by exhaust fans, preventing pressure imbalances.
Why it matters
Without make-up air, powerful exhaust fans can cause backdrafting, hard-to-open doors, and whistling noises.
Where people get this wrong
Make-up air is not ventilation. It is a specific replacement for air being exhausted. Large range hoods often require dedicated make-up air systems.
Real-world example
A 1000 CFM range hood exhausts air fast. Without make-up air, the house goes negative and the furnace backdrafts. A make-up air system solves that.
Where this hits your build
This affects daily comfort in every room. Problems often show up after move-in when certain rooms run hot, cold, or noisy.
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