Understanding HVAC Puffbacks and Restoration Cleaning

10/17/2024 (Permalink)

Understanding HVAC Puffbacks and Restoration Cleaning

An HVAC puffback occurs when your heating system misfires, sending soot and smoke through the vents and leaving behind a messy, damaging residue. This can happen with oil-burning furnaces or boilers, but it may occur in other heating systems as well.

Signs of an HVAC Puffback

1. Soot on Surfaces: Black or gray soot around vents and on walls.
2. Unusual Noises: Loud bangs or “puffing” sounds when the heating system starts.
3. Lingering Odors: Smells of smoke or oil.
4. Uneven Heating: Your system may struggle to heat evenly.

Why You Need Professional Restoration

Puffback residue is sticky and acidic, meaning it can corrode surfaces over time. Cleaning this up yourself may smear the soot, causing permanent damage. Restoration professionals, like the team we have at SERVPRO Team Paparone, use specialized equipment and techniques to properly clean and restore the space, ensuring no long-term damage.

What to Do After a Puffback

1. Turn Off the Heating System: Prevent further circulation of soot.
2. Call a Restoration Professional: Experts like SERVPRO can assess the damage and perform safe, effective cleaning.
3. Avoid DIY Cleaning: Incorrect methods can spread soot or cause stains.
4. Fix the HVAC System: Have a professional inspect and repair the malfunctioning system to prevent future puffbacks.

The Restoration Process

1. Soot and smoke damage is assessed.
2. Surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.
3. Ductwork is inspected and cleaned.
4. Deodorization is performed to remove odors.

Conclusion

An HVAC puffback can cause extensive damage, but professional restoration services can restore your home or business to pre-damage condition. If you experience a puffback, act quickly and trust experts to handle the cleanup properly.

Puffbacks Can Be Messy!

10/2/2023 (Permalink)

Often times a ventilation system can be the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality.  We have found that our customers, whether residential or commercial, have a high regard for the health and safety of their families and employees.

They know that breathing dirty air can lead to many types of illnesses, or aggravates respiratory issues such as asthma or emphysema. 

Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your home.  

If you're concerned with the purity of your air, give SERVPRO of Fox Chase/Torresdale a call today. Through the use of HEPA vacuums, roto-scrapers, air whipping, duct sealant, and filter replacement, SERVPRO Team Paparone is equipped to properly & professionally perform a clean sweep of your air ducts, removing years of dust and grime.  

SERVPRO on Puffbacks

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

The culprit in this residential puffback

The term puffback refers to the sudden expulsion of soot into a dwelling area caused by malfunction in the heating system.  The soot consists of petroleum based particles formed by incomplete combustion in the furnace.  Permanent damage can occur unless the soot is removed quickly utilizing professional cleaning agents and methods.

What to do when you have a Puffback...

• Shut down heating systems immediately
• Contact the oil company that services the furnace
• Avoid contact with contaminated surfaces
• Contact remediation specialists to restore the home or office to its preloss condition

Why use SERVPRO?

• We are experienced in all areas of puffback restoration
• Immediate response to the problem
• We work with all Insurance Companies
• Proper inspection and testing procedures
• Air duct cleaning and soot sealing
• Deodorization
• Complete structure and content cleaning
• We take care of clothing, carpet, upholstery, and drapery cleaning.

What not to do when a Puffback happens...

• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.  This will make the damage worse.
• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not turn on ceiling fans
• Do not send soft goods to an ordinary dry cleaner
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical components

Clean Homes Sell Faster

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

In the photo, you can see one of our technicians performing a carpet cleaning for a rental property that was in-between tenants.

Get it clean and get it sold!  Whether it is general cleaning, duct cleaning, carpet cleaning, or mold remediation, SERVPRO of Fox Chase/Torresdale can help get your property cleaned.  

Regarding mold specifically, it is important to know that molds are found in every environment.  Mold spores reproduce rapidly when moisture is present.  An Institute of Medicine study found that excessive dampness indoors encourages the growth of molds and other organisms, and could pose a health problem.  The EPA advised that the potential health concerns from mold are an important reason to prevent moisture problems leading to mold growth.  It is especially important to clean up existing indoor mold growth to increase property appeal and retain its value.  

It is a fact: clean, fresh-smelling homes sell faster.  SERVPRO of Fox Chase/Torresdale's professional team can help revive your property to show in top condition.  Call us today!

Duct Cleaning

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

What you may not be seeing inside your ductwork!

Often times a ventilation system can be the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality.  We have found that our customers, whether residential or commercial, have a high regard for the health and safety of their families and employees.  They know that breathing dirty air can lead to many types of illnesses, or aggravates respiratory issues such as asthma or emphysema. 

Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your home.  

If you're concerned with the purity of your air, give SERVPRO of Fox Chase/Torresdale a call today.  Through the use of HEPA vacuums, roto-scrapers, air whipping, duct sealant, and filter replacement, SERVPRO of Fox Chase/Torresdale is equipped to properly & professionally perform a clean sweep of your air ducts, removing years of dust and grime.