Why “Burping” Your Home Is the Secret to Healthier Indoor Air This Winter

The creation of this article included the use of AI and was edited by human content creators. Read more on our AI policy here.

When temperatures drop and heating bills climb, the last thing most people want to do is crack open a window. After all, you’ve spent good money warming your home — why let all that cozy air escape? But here’s the thing: that tightly sealed house you’re working so hard to keep warm might actually be working against your health.

The practice is called “burping” your house, and it’s exactly what it sounds like — briefly opening windows or doors to let your home release stale, trapped air and take in a fresh breath from outside. It’s a quick, simple habit that can make a meaningful difference in your indoor environment, even during the coldest months of the year.

Why Modern Homes Need to Breathe

Today’s homes are built to be energy efficient. Tight seals around windows, improved insulation, and weatherstripping all work together to keep conditioned air inside and outdoor elements out. While this is great for your utility bills, it creates an unintended consequence: your home can become a sealed container for everything floating around inside it.

Think about what accumulates in your home throug...