Overview
- TikTok and Instagram posts have popularized the German practice of lüften in the U.S., with some videos reaching millions of views.
- On NBC’s TODAY, air-quality expert Tony Abate said short window openings lower contaminants and carbon dioxide and advised roughly 10 minutes.
- Guidance emphasizes cross-ventilation and timing such as morning or after cooking or showering, with air purifiers or HVAC as alternatives when windows can’t be opened.
- Public-health advice and research indicate ventilation can reduce airborne virus particles and may improve sleep quality and next-day performance.
- Coverage notes trade-offs like potential energy-efficiency impacts from frequent airing; brief sessions typically limit heat loss and should be skipped during poor outdoor air quality.