Furnace / Puff Backs

What is a Puff Back?

Most of us have never heard of a puff back. A puff back occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once (like a balloon popping) or more gradually (as if someone was holding the end of a balloon and letting the air seep out slowly).

Recognizing Puff Backs

It is usually easy to tell when a puff back has occurred. Soot covers all areas of the home or business and may range from light to very heavy. Sometimes the disbursement of soot is so light and fine it appears to be ordinary dust. This "dust" however reappears hours after being cleaned. There is often a strong odor of oil accompanying a puff back.

Preventing Puff Backs

The best defense against a puff back is to have your oil burner inspected annually and kept in good repair. This is no guarantee against having a puff back, but it greatly reduces your risk. Keep debris, animal hair, or anything that could interfere with proper functioning away from your oil burner.

What to Avoid

• Do not attempt to wash wallpapered or flat-painted walls (incorrect cleaning will compound the soot residue problem).
• Do not try to clean carpets and upholstered furniture. Avoid touching things. Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork causing further damage.

How to Respond

• Notify your insurance agent or company immediately.
• Have ServiceMaster by Gaudet begin cleaning all affected areas immediately - soot travels and will reappear if not immediately removed.