DEFINITIONS
Smoke: The solid, liquid and gaseous products of combustion released into the air.
Soot: Fine, black particles composed primarily of carbon, produced by the incomplete combustion of fuel.
Puffbacks: Accumulations of soot that are sometimes released suddenly by furnace malfunctions.
Puffbacks
A puffback is a misfiring in the furnace that, at its worst, can send soot throughout your business, covering drapes, furniture, cabinets, walls and everything in between.
It can happen all at once or gradually over time.
This soot is a substance that is difficult to clean and often has a strong oily odor.
This dirty residue needs to be cleaned as soon as possible by professionals.
You can help prevent puffbacks
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent a puffback, annual inspection and maintenance of your oil burner or furnace can greatly reduce your risk.
So be sure to have your oil burner and furnace system cleaned regularly.