What Is A Puffback?

A puffback occurs when an oil burner backfires sending soot through your home.  It can happen all at once, like a balloon popping, or more gradually, as if someone is holding the end of a balloon and letting the air seep out slowly.

 Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent a puffback, annual inspection and maintenance of your oil burner or funace can greatly reduce your risk. 

If a puffback occurs at your home soot can cover every surface and may range from light to very heavy.  Sometimes the disbursement of soot is so light and fine it appears to be ordinary dust.  However, this "dust" reappears hours after being cleaned.  There is often a strong odor of oil accompanying a puffback.

What should you do if one were to occur?  

-Do not attempt to wash wallpaper or flat painted walls, as improper cleaning will further compound the soot residue

-Do not use retail cleaning solutions or soap.

-Do not try to clean carpets or furniture

-Avoid touching items, as oils in your fingers can react negatively to the soot

-Notify your insurance company immediately

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