How does a hot air balloon come down?

In rising, a hot air balloon works the same way as a helium balloon : the hot air inside is less dense than the surrounding air outside the balloon. The heavier outside air pushes below the balloon and forces it upward. To come down is easier in a hot air balloon. Unless it is continually reheated, its temperature reverts to that of the surrounding air and the balloon settles back to the Earth under its own weight. Vents that release the heated air (like venting helium in a helium balloon) is an alternative to increase the speed of descent.