(NewsNation) — A simple practice to keep your home fresh is gaining popularity in the United States.
Known in Germany as “lüften,” or “airing out,” the practice involves opening windows to let fresh air circulate — even during colder months.
In the U.S., social media creators have dubbed it “house burping,” likening it to burping a baby.
TikTok is filled with videos promoting house burping as a “mom hack,” with some creators claiming it helps keep sickness away. The practice is intended to clear out stale air, improve ventilation and prevent mold buildup.
Is ‘house burping’ good for you?
Interest in lüften grew during the pandemic after German Chancellor Angela Merkel described it as “one of the cheapest and most effective ways” to help prevent the spread of COVID.
Tony Abate, chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions, told “TODAY” that briefly opening windows can reduce mold, contaminants and carbon dioxide levels by diluting indoor air with fresh outdoor air.
The idea may be especially relevant in the U.S., where people spend about 90% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
In Germany, the practice is deeply ingrained in daily life, with some leases reportedly requiring tenants to open windows multiple times a day, according to The Washington Post.
Are there any negative effects to ‘house burping’?
Experts said there are optimal times to “burp” your house — such as in the morning, after showering or cooking and after having visitors.
Abate advised keeping windows open for no more than about 10 minutes.
The practice does have critics. A 2021 study suggested lüften could negatively impact energy efficiency in Germany, a concern as electricity costs continue to rise in the U.S.
Lars Gunnarsen, a ventilation expert at Aalborg University in Denmark, told The Washington Post that modern, airtight homes now require residents to actively manage ventilation.
“The old leaky houses are not so leaky anymore,” Gunnarsen said. “The message in relation to that is that you need to take control and do some ventilation yourself.”
The outlet cited a disagreement over lüften that contributed to a relationship breakup after repeated overnight window airing — and an unexpected encounter with bats.
