Sometimes you come across a word or phrase that makes you do a double-take. And odds are, “house burping” is one of those terms. While the term might sound like a joke, it actually refers to a long-standing home-cleaning practice that has recently gained significant attention and popularity in the United States. So if you’ve heard someone talking about or come across a headline about house burping, just know you’re not alone.
The unusually named practice has been the talk of the internet of late, but what actually is house burping, where does it come from, and how can homeowners do it safely?
What Is House Burping?
House burping is the process of intermittently, intentionally airing out a residence or non-residential enclosed space by opening windows completely. This is often for several-minute intervals, but the duration can vary based on multiple factors. The concept stems from a German practice called “Lüften,” a daily home-ventilation routine.
Many German households use the cross-breeze from all windows, and sometimes doors as well, for a fresh-air recirculation rather than relying on a slow trickle of airflow through gaps and other air conditioning. After allowing several minutes for fresh air to come in, residents can go back to allowing their heating and cooling systems to run with new, fresh air to pull from.
So, why the unusual name?
It comes from a funny translation. It also does a good job of getting your attention to a serious matter that most people might not realize is important. Fresh air is important for removing indoor pollutants, excess moisture, and odors, while also improving oxygen levels. This can support better overall health goals, including sleep and eliminate unnecessary respiratory irritation.
Does House Burping (Lüften) Improve Indoor Air Quality?
While certain machines, like a home humidifier or air purifier, can help, it is a similar issue of a machine cycling through air as opposed to letting Mother Nature do a quick purification of your home.
American homes have become more tightly sealed through improved insulation, energy-efficient windows, better roofing, and weatherstripping. And while these are great for energy efficiency to control indoor temperatures and reduce utility costs, that comes at the expense of natural airflow. With growing awareness of the importance of indoor air quality, trends like house burping have allowed us to look deeper at how air moves inside houses.
And it’s easy to see why house burping would appeal to homeowners, as it requires no new equipment and is a fairly easy routine to remember and incorporate. You can think of it like another chore. Now, when you open the curtains in the morning, you can also open the windows for a few minutes. Just remember to set an alarm because if you forget, in no time you might have new unwanted pests taking up residence in your home.
It is worth noting that house burping is not a replacement for a well-maintained HVAC system. So even if you’re regularly recycling your air with the windows open you’ll still need to change air filters and check regularly that everything is attuned.
House burping works most efficiently when windows are open in multiple corners of the house and rooms to allow the air to flow with less interruption. Think of it like this: opening the window in your bedroom will let that room feel fresher, but if you open that window AND the living room window across the house, the air can flow more freely.
How To Try House Burping Safely
So, if this is sounding great to you, remember to keep these house burping best practices in mind.
Only practice house burping when outdoor air quality is good and temperatures are not extreme. Local media outlets and weather officials will release updates when outdoor air quality is dangerous. That can include environmental health factors like wildfire smoke or pollen.
Also, if you have children or pets, make sure that they are not in danger of going outside. This is particularly important for residences that aren’t on the ground floor.
Do not leave windows open for too long. If you’re concerned with not getting enough air recycling, consider more frequent, shorter periods with windows open rather than fewer, longer stretches. Home security is also an important factor, as open windows and doors are invitations for unwanted guests.
Sources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Introduction to Indoor Air Quality”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Indoor Environmental Quality”
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