How to deal with Furnace Puff backs

Cold weather has arrived in much of the United States and many people use oil furnaces to heat their homes. Unfortunately, poorly maintained furnaces can cause many issues, such as furnace puff-backs, which can cover large areas inside your home with soot. This residue is not only unsightly, but also poses health risks and could damage contents and furnishings.

A puff-back is the expulsion of smoke and soot from the heating unit into your home. Puff-back residue is a greasy/oily residue that is caused by the oil fuel with a petroleum base. Residue will affect exposed items such as your furniture and, if heavy enough, can penetrate into cabinets, dressers, closets, etc. It can affect exposed food or open food containers, clothes etc. The strong odor that often permeates the home can be extremely distressing.

DEALING WITH FURNACE PUFF-BACKS
Cleaning puff-back residue is a very difficult job that often requires professional restoration services. An experienced restoration company helps reduce the costs of restoration. Experts perform a thorough inspection of the premises and test several cleaning methods to find the best solution for removal of the residue. In addition, after any furnace malfunction, the heating system needs to be serviced by trained HVAC technicians. The duct system also requires cleaning before restarting the system. Professional restoration technicians take appropriate precautions to properly clean and to avoid contaminating any areas of the home that were not affected by soot. They have professional products that facilitate effective cleaning. This greasy/oily residue does not respond to normal household cleaners. Even with professional restoration cleaners on the job, very often, most or all of the walls and ceilings will need to be sealed and painted after cleaning. The soot is so difficult to remove that the paint rarely survives the process. Porous items like upholstered furniture, drapes, and clothing also require professional care. Restoration technicians evaluate these items and provide the expert service required to also restore them to pre-loss condition.

When dealing with furnace puff-backs or fire/smoke damage, water damage, odors, or mold, call PuroClean of Massapequa at (516) 604-1200. Our trained professionals will return your home to its pre-loss condition as quickly as possible so that you can resume your normal life.

PREVENTING FURNACE PUFF-BACKS
The best way to avoid puff-back problems is to have a qualified HVAC technician inspect and clean your furnace thoroughly at least once a year. The best time to schedule furnace maintenance is in late spring after the heating season when you will get a better cleaning job, and when service providers have more time to work on your furnace.