Furnace Puffbacks

Winter is in full swing, and for those in Northern New Jersey, it means getting your furnace up and going again. Unfortunately, there is a host of common issues that can arise from units that simply do not work properly, which can lead to the all-too-common problem called furnace puff backs. Not only are puff backs dangerous, but they can lead to stubborn, oily residue and soot being deposited on items within a dwelling–which often warrants the need for professional restoration.

The term furnace puff back applies to the condition of the expulsion of smoke and soot from the heating unit inside of the furnace into the dwelling. Caused by a malfunction in the heating system, the result is an incomplete combustion in the unit.

Consequently, the incompletely-burnt material travels through the duct system into the living areas of a home. This results in the accompanying residues being deposited on the home and contents alike. The term applies to any furnace disorder that results in soot being deposited into the living area of any structure.

The combustion can be anywhere from a small one to a very large furnace puff back. A small combustion will leak unburned oil, but anything larger than that could disconnect the stack pipe attached to your furnace or heater, and now the threat of an oil leak can occur–leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.

You may note, on occasion, a burned oil smell coming from your furnace. This is something you must pay particular attention to, as it is a furnace puffback and can potentially become dangerous.

A small combustion will leak unburned oil, but anything larger than that could disconnect the stack pipe attached to your furnace or heater, and now the threat of an oil leak can occur–leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.

1) Look for continued soot near your heater or boiler-This is a sign that furnace puff backs are becoming more frequent and more of a threat to your home.

2) Any rumbling sounds in your furnace after the cycle ends-This should not be happening and a sign of the oil that has not been burned being ignited.

3) Leaking of unburned oil-Any unburned oil can get ignited by enough heat or can potentially case an oil leak as well, putting your family at risk for poisoning.

4) Search for developing spots in the ceiling above your heater-This can also be a sign of a puffback with the smoke and soot rising and creating marks on the surface of the ceiling.

As for that stubborn oily residue, it is often necessary to use alkaline degreasers and wet-cleaning methods to remove as much of the soot as possible. Due to the nature and intensity of the residue, these cleaning agents usually need to be pretty aggressive; additionally, the structure will require further cleaning and restoration to return it to its pre-loss condition. Applying a heavily pigmented sealer will prevent remaining stains and related odors from returning.

It is often necessary to call a professional restoration business in order to properly evaluate and resolve these situations. Additionally, when it comes to soft goods such as furniture, drapes and clothing, they will also require professional care.

The <service offering> experts at <Client> have many years of experience dealing with furnace puff back damage and will be able to fully evaluate your situation and determine the best plan of action.

Our fully trained and certified <service offering> experts will be able to provide the expert service needed to restore your belongings and dwelling back to the pre-loss condition. And, the professionals of <Client> will also ensure that service will be performed as thoroughly and quickly as possible, and at the best possible rate.

Furnace puff backs are always unexpected and troubling, and as such, it is common for homeowners to feel devastated afterwards. <Client> understand, and their staff is fully trained to fully help homeowners deal with the situation.

Regardless of the circumstances–dealing with puff backs or other fire and smoke damage, water damage, mold remediation, or biohazard remediation– call your local Teaneck, NJ property damage specialists at PuroClean today. For all property damage situations, big or small, the PuroClean specialists are standing by to help. All PuroClean offices have a host of well-trained and certified professional property damage technicians who provide the latest state-of-the-science services to all property damaged from water, fire, smoke, mold and any other disaster.

Call your local Teaneck, NJ PuroClean office at  201-205-2506 today for more info.