Understanding Puff Backs and what to do?
A “puff back” occurs when an improperly running heating system misfires spewing out damaging smoke and soot. Most puff backs happen in oil fired boilers and furnaces. When starting the heating appliance, unburned fuel ignites, forcing the soot or smoke through the heater’s exhaust system into the home. This explosion can be large, creating extensive and expensive damage or small, creating minor damage. However, smaller ignitions usually occur several times causing the soot to accumulate throughout the home. If the puff back’s heating flue vent bursts or is dislodged, there is a risk of fire or release of dangerous carbon monoxide. The most damaging puff backs occur in forced air systems as their ductwork allows the soot to travel throughout the entire premise. The heating system itself can be severely damaged when a puff back occurs.
What preventive signs to look for?
- Look for visible oil stains on the floor.
- A small bang or puff sound when you start the heater.
- A strange noise after you shut the heater off.
- Do you notice a small amount of soot in the furnace room?
- Is there a gaseous odor in the furnace room?
How to prevent Puff Backs from happening?
One word sums up the best way to prevent puff backs. MAINTENANCE. Have your heating system regularly serviced by a professional technician. Have them clean the soot that naturally builds up during the heating season, change your oil spray nozzle if it is dirty or clogged, check your entire heating system for any sign of potential puff backs.
Puff backs can cause severe physical damage to your home or business. They are also very costly and time consuming to repair.
Puff back on Puff Backs
