Outside air may enter air conditioned spaces by _____?

Outside air can enter air-conditioned spaces through various avenues, each contributing to the overall air exchange and ventilation in a building.

Infiltration through walls allows outside air to seep into the building due to differences in pressure and temperature, which is common in various types of construction materials and methods.

Infiltration through swinging doors is another significant point where outside air can enter, particularly when doors are frequently opened and closed, allowing fresh air to mix with the interior environment.

Additionally, air introduced to replace exhausted air is a critical aspect of HVAC systems, where fresh air is intentionally brought in to balance the air pressure and enhance indoor air quality, particularly when exhaust systems are actively removing air from the space.

Given that all these processes—air infiltration through the building envelope, through door openings, and through mechanical ventilation—facilitate the movement of outside air into air-conditioned spaces, the comprehensive option that encompasses all these pathways is the correct choice. This underscores the importance of considering multiple sources of outside air when designing HVAC systems for effective climate control and indoor air quality management.