Fresh air leaks into a house through cracks around windows, doors, and framing. The process is called:

The process of fresh air leaking into a house through cracks around windows, doors, and framing is referred to as infiltration. Infiltration is a common phenomenon in buildings where outside air enters the interior due to pressure differences caused by wind, temperature variations, and building design. It can significantly affect the indoor climate, leading to increased energy costs for heating and cooling, as conditioned air escapes and unconditioned air enters.

Understanding infiltration is crucial for contractors and builders, as it has implications for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall comfort within a structure. Proper sealing and weatherproofing measures can mitigate unwanted air leaks, enhancing a building's insulation and energy efficiency.

The other options presented do not accurately describe the process of air entering a house through cracks. Heat exchange refers to the transfer of heat between systems but does not involve air leaks. Exhaust pertains to the removal of air from a building, often to eliminate stale indoor air, and air conditioning specifically refers to systems designed to cool and dehumidify the air within a space, rather than the uncontrolled entry of outside air.