Autumn is Around the Corner, Be Sure to Prevent Puffback

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

As summer is coming to a close, the time to turn heaters back on is approaching at a fast pace. With furnaces kicking back on soon, the chance of a puffback incident is once again a threat. So, you may be thinking, “What is a puffback?”. A puffback is when a boiler or furnace misfires, causing your home to fill with soot and smoke. These misfires are caused by unburned oils at the bottom of furnaces and boilers suddenly igniting. Preventing a puffback is important as the soot and smoke emitted by these incidents are notoriously hard to clean up after. Puffbacks will damage and corrode electronics, permanently stain painted surfaces and cause a myriad of health concerns. However, puffbacks are avoidable if you stay on alert for the warning signs of an impending incident.

                Look for The Signs: There are many telltale signs of an impending puffback. First, if soot-like residues are appearing on or around a furnace, its time to have it serviced by a professional. Also, if dark cobweb-like webs start to form around your heating appliance, your furnace may have been puffing back for a long time, meaning it may need to be replaced or serviced. Other signs of an impending puffback are gas odors, leaking oil pipes, and weaker appliance performance. Regardless of the warning signs, be sure to get furnaces serviced and maintained at least once a year.

                What to do After a Puffback: Even though puffbacks CAN be devastating doesn’t mean they HAVE to be. If a puffback occurs, don’t panic. The worst possible thing a puffback victim can do is to try and take cleanup matters into their own hands with any experience. Trying to clean the soot with soap and water or bleach will cause the soot residue to set into household items more, making it harder to properly clean. Soot and smoke damage needs to be cleaned with certain specific chemicals with the aid of a dry chemical sponge. Consider hiring a professional fire and smoke restoration company to do the job right and prevent further harm to your home and health.

                If your home or workplace suffers from a puffback, give SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod a call anytime at 508-778-7378. We specialize in fire, smoke and soot restoration and will make your property look "Like it never even happened." From Mashpee to Provincetown, We’re on alert 24/7 for your fire, water, mold, cleaning and disinfecting needs.