What Is a Puff Back?

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Furnace 'puff backs' occur most often in the winter.  A puff back is a misfiring of your furnace that can send soot throughout your home, covering furniture, cabinets, walls, linens and everything in between.  The consequences can be severe, but SERVPRO of Allegany & Garrett Counties can work closely with you in the cleaning and restoration of your home.

A puff back happens when an oil burner doesn't ignite immediately and oil fumes are allowed to build up resulting in an explosion similar to the backfiring of a car.  The explosion can shoot soot and debris through the furnace or boilers exhaust system throughout your home.

The soot is not just a powder-like substance, but is black and sticky and will include a mixture of oil that is difficult to clean.  The first thing you should do is contact your insurance company to start a claim, which will usually cover your home and contents affected by the puff back.

Here are some helpful tips on what you should do, should a puff back occur in your home:  (1).  Assess the situation and the amount of damage that was done; (2). Wash all affected clothing and fabrics in the house - some may require professional cleaning; (3). Throw away all exposed foods; (4). Call a repairman to fix the malfunctioning furnace; (5). Call SERVPRO of Allegany & Garrett Counties to take care of the cleaning of the soot and chemicals.

SERVPRO of Allegany & Garrett Counties will work closely with you, your insurance agency and your adjuster to ensure that the job is done as quickly as possible to get you back to your normal, daily routine.