It is going to be cold in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area this weekend! If you aren’t a weenie like me, and have yet to turn on the furnace in your home you may be turning it on this weekend! Turning on the furnace in your home should be no big deal, but if you have an oil-fired furnace, boiler or water heater it is important that you know what a puff back is and how to prevent one.
A puff back occurs when your furnace discharges soot, smoke, and oily residue into your home. The force of a puff back can quickly spread smoke, soot, and residue throughout your home, sticking to the walls, furniture, drapery, and clothing. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix when a puff back occurs, normal cleaning products are ineffective. Puff backs require professional restoration and removal cleaning like those services used after a fire.
You can reduce the risk of experiencing a puff back by having your furnace inspected yearly. You should also keep things such as debris, animal hair, and anything else that could interfere with proper functioning away from your oil burner.
In the unfortunate event that you do experience a puff back:
- Immediately notify your insurance agency
- Do not attempt to clean the walls, furniture, or carpets. Without professional cleaning the soot/dust/residue will reappear and cause further damage.
- Avoid touching anything. Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork and make things much worse.
- Contact a restoration contractor that is experienced in puff back cleaning as soon as possible. Beginning the cleaning process immediately will prevent further damage and limit insurance claim amounts.
We hope you all have a safe, warm, and puff back free Halloween!