What is 'House Burping' and Should You Try It This Winter?

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new home trend called 'house burping' is gaining popularity online, where people briefly open windows in the middle of winter to let fresh air into their homes and push out stale air. The practice is based on the long-standing German tradition of 'lüften' and is promoted by wellness influencers as a way to improve indoor air quality and boost health. However, some heating and cooling professionals caution that daily 'house burping' may not be advisable for U.S. homes that rely on central heating and air conditioning, as it can increase humidity, allow in outdoor pollutants, and lead to higher energy costs.

Why it matters

The 'house burping' trend highlights the importance of indoor air quality and the potential health benefits of regularly refreshing the air in our homes. However, it also raises questions about whether the practice is truly effective and appropriate for all homes, especially in cold or humid climates where it could have unintended consequences.

The details

The idea of 'house burping' is rooted in the German practice of 'lüften,' which involves briefly opening windows multiple times a day to air out indoor spaces. In Germany, this is so normalized that some apartment leases even require it. Air quality experts say that opening windows can help reduce indoor contaminants, mold risk, and carbon dioxide buildup by diluting stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. They recommend doing it for about 10 minutes or less, especially first thing in the morning, after cooking or showering, or after guests leave. However, heating and cooling professionals in the U.S. caution that daily 'house burping' may not be advisable, as it can increase humidity, allow in outdoor pollutants, and force heating systems to work harder, leading to higher energy costs.

• The 'house burping' trend has gone viral on TikTok and Instagram in recent months.