Yes, You Should Open Your Windows in Winter. Here’s Why.

During the cold winter months, the last thing you’d think to do is open up your windows and let cold air blast through your house. Modern homes are well insulated to keep the cold out and the warm air in, so it doesn’t seem to make much sense to open the windows when its freezing outside.

But in many parts of Europe, and especially in Germany, this is not only a normal and accepted practice, but it is actually mandated by law. It’s called “Lüften” which means “airing out” your home. And now that we’ve caught on to this in the United States, we have come up with our own term: “house burping.”

Is it really a good idea to let all the precious heat you paid so much for to literally go out the window? The short answer is yes!

It’s a proven misconception that the cold outside air can make you sick. It can’t, but bad indoor air certainly can. If someone in your home is sick, or you’ve had a group of people in your home, those germs and viruses people breath out can accumulate and make you sick.

Since most homes are so well insulated, things like mold, contaminants, carbon dioxide, and fumes from an unventilated gas stove can build up within your home, and that can trigger an allergic reaction or worse.

It’s also important to have a high-quality air filter attached to your furnace and remember to change it regularly. You may wish to have an HVAC company install a high efficiency/high capacity air filter as part of your seasonal furnace check-up.

The best way to air out or “burp” your home is to first check the outside air quality and humidity levels. If air outside air quality is not good, or humidity levels are high, keep the windows closed.

If you live near a high traffic area, wait until mid-day or later in the evening when pollution from cars is lower. Other good times are right after it rains, after taking a shower, and after guests have left your home. Open windows on either side of your home to create some cross-ventilation and do it for five to ten minutes at most.

We don’t suggest doing this when its below zero outside, but with milder temperatures on the way, it’s a good time to give your home a quick “burp.” And just like a real burp, you’ll feel better after doing it.