Burping Your Home Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

Meteorologist explains how a quick burst of fresh air can clear out stale, polluted air.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Meteorologist Sara Tonks explains that stale air in homes can trap harmful pollutants, negatively impacting indoor air quality, sleep, and overall health. She suggests 'burping' your home - quickly opening windows to let in fresh air - as an easy way to clear out the stale, polluted air and improve the indoor environment.

Why it matters

Many people don't realize how poor indoor air quality can affect their health and wellbeing. Stale, polluted air in homes can lead to issues like headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems. Improving indoor air quality through simple measures like 'burping' the home can have significant benefits.

The details

Tonks explains that everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, and even breathing can release pollutants that get trapped in stale indoor air. Opening windows for just a few minutes allows fresh outdoor air to circulate and flush out these harmful particles, improving the overall air quality in the home.

  • The advice was provided by Meteorologist Sara Tonks on February 20, 2026.

The players

Sara Tonks

A meteorologist who provided the advice about 'burping' homes to improve indoor air quality.

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What they’re saying

“It sounds funny, but 'burping' your house could dramatically improve your indoor air quality, sleep and overall health.”

— Sara Tonks, Meteorologist (weather.com)

The takeaway

Simple actions like regularly opening windows to let in fresh air can have a significant positive impact on indoor air quality and overall health. This 'burping' technique is an easy, low-cost way for homeowners to improve their living environment.