Puffbacks

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians cleaning soot on ceilings and walls.

It's that time of the year again!  The smell of pumpkin is everywhere!  As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, people are lighting fires in their fireplaces and turning on their heaters.  It's also the time of year for puffbacks.

Puffbacks occur in an oil or gas heater as a misfiring or explosion, and usually caused by lack of regular cleaning and maintenance.  They can send an oily, smell film throughout the home, covering walls, ceilings, carpets, furniture, and curtains.  The soot can get into closets, and even drawers!  Because the soot is petroleum based, it can be very difficult to clean, and is best left to the professionals.  Attempting to clean it on your own can make the situation worse.

To prevent a puffback, have your heater cleaned and serviced at least once a year and replace the filters regularly.  Make note of any unusual sounds or odors.  If you have experienced a puffback, call your HVAC professional immediately to have your heater cleaned and repaired, then contact SERVPRO of Media to begin the cleaning process.