Learn How Puff Back Fires Originate And Tips For Reducing Your Potential Risk

12/7/2022 (Permalink)

A puff back can leave your home filled with soot.

How Puff Back Fires Start And To Lower Your Risk ‌

When you have a fire in your Round Rock, TX home it's scary. It's even scarier if the fire starts in your furnace. A furnace puff back is when an electrical fire happens inside the ductwork of your furnace and spreads to other parts of the house. Puff backs are more likely to occur during fall and winter months due to the increased use of furnaces during this time period. This can lead to serious damage, which is why it's important to know how puff backs happen and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

What‌ ‌is‌ ‌a‌ ‌Puff‌ ‌Back‌

A puff back is a fire that starts in your furnace system. It can be caused by a couple of different things:

• a malfunctioning heating system.
• a clogged or broken filter, which prevents oxygen from reaching the pilot light and causes carbon monoxide to build up inside of the furnace.
• a clogged or broken vent, which means that the gases have no way to get out of your home (instead they build up inside of it).

While it may be easy to assume that they're caused by a lack of maintenance on behalf of your HVAC technician, they can also happen at any point in time if there's an issue with one or both of these components:

• The blower motor
• The heat exchanger (also known as a heat exchanger coil)

Get‌ ‌Regular‌ ‌Furnace‌ ‌Maintenance

Getting your furnace inspected annually is an important step in reducing your risk of a puff back fire. A technician will check for carbon monoxide leaks, soot buildup, cracks or damage to the furnace and proper venting to ensure that it’s working properly.

Vacuum Furnace Components Often

One of the most common causes for a smoke chamber to develop is the buildup of dust, dirt, and other debris on the surface of the components. To reduce your risk of developing a puff back, vacuum furnace components regularly with a crevice tool (or attachment) that can get into all the small spaces. This will keep it clean and prevent any buildups from happening. Make sure your vacuum has a HEPA filter as well! If you are using an upright vac then make sure not to use any brush attachments because they may damage some surfaces in there such as platens or burners..

Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector

You can reduce your risk of a Puff Back Fire by installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive, easy-to-install devices that give you early warning that there is potentially dangerous gas in your home. The ideal place for a carbon monoxide detector is near bedrooms or other areas where people spend time sleeping or resting. When installing your carbon monoxide detector, follow these steps:

• Make sure to use an outlet with good voltage and amperage ratings. Also check the size of the outlet box so that it will fit properly (if necessary, have an electrician enlarge the box).
• Choose an appropriate location for placement of the detector: high on walls (at least six inches off floors), away from HVAC vents or windows/doors which may allow cold air into the room; test regularly as recommended by manufacturer’s instructions; replace batteries at least once per year; replace entire unit every five years if it is not digital (these should be tested every 12 months).

Have Soot Cleaned Immediately After Fire Damage

Soot, which is a byproduct of the combustion of wood and other materials, can be difficult to remove from your home. Soot can also be tough on furniture and other surfaces, so it's important to clean up as soon as possible.

Puff Back Prevention Checklist

This puff back prevention checklist can help you as you prepare and prevent puff back fires: 

• Do a thorough job cleaning the chimney before you start a fire
• Make sure there is adequate air space in the fireplace, so that smoke can rise freely through it
• Be careful not to overload the firebox with too much wood or other fuel sources (remember: too much heat = too much oxygen = no good)
• Block off any flue dampers when lighting fires, to ensure that all smoke is drawn up and out of your home instead of being trapped inside
• Keep matches and lighters outside of reach from children at all times

Call the Professionals

If a Puff Back does occur, call SERVPRO of East Round Rock immediately! SERVPRO is a trusted name in fire restoration and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are also family-owned and operated, so you know you’re dealing with people who care about their community and understand what you’re going through.