Puff backs are a common danger that any homeowner with a furnace should be aware of. A puff back is defined as an explosion that originates inside your furnace and forces fire, smoke, and soot out of your furnace and into your home’s exhaust system. Once inside your exhaust system, fire, smoke, and soot can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home by damaging building materials and the exhaust system itself. In addition to causing damage, puff back fires can pose a health risk to you and your loved ones. Puff back fires are most common with oil burning furnaces. However, they can also occur inside gas, hot water, or forced air heating systems.
Puff back fires usually begin as a result of built up vapors inside your furnace. Luckily for you, this means that commonly checking and cleaning your furnace and exhaust system is one easy way to prevent puff back fires. Biyearly furnace and heating system cleaning is recommended for most homeowners. However, all homeowners should seek out a professional crew to clean their furnace at a minimum of once a year. This cleaning will allow you the opportunity to release any built up vapors and replace old or broken parts inside your furnace. Additionally, paying for a professional inspection of your heating system can further reduce the possibility of a puff back fire inside your home. Although these inspections can often be expensive, you will save yourself money in the long run by preventing a puff back fire that can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Another easy way to prevent puff back fires inside your home is by monitoring your furnace on a regular basis. Once in a while, open your furnace door and quickly scan for soot or odors. High levels of soot and distinct odors inside your furnace can be a sign that the furnace is experiencing problems that may lead to a puff back fire. If you notice soot or odors coming from your furnace, call a professional company to come do a thorough inspection. Although it may be inconvenient, it can save you a lot of time and money by preventing a future puff back fire. Another part of regularly monitoring your furnace is paying attention to rumbling noises coming from your furnace room. Regular rumbling noises inside your furnace can be an indicator that a part is either loose or broken. Your furnace is a delicate machine, and any part that is not working correctly can cause a puff back fire that can damage your entire heating system.
Puff back fires should be a real cause for concern for any homeowner with a furnace. However, the good news is that with regular monitoring and yearly inspections and cleaning, the likelihood of a puff back fire can be greatly reduced.