What Homeowners Need to Know This Heating Season
As temperatures drop and heating systems start running again, homeowners across New England face an often-overlooked risk: puffbacks.
A puffback occurs when a furnace or boiler misfires, sending a blast of oily soot and smoke throughout your home. In a matter of seconds, walls, ceilings, and belongings can be coated in residue that’s difficult—and sometimes dangerous—to clean on your own.
What Causes a Puffback?
Puffbacks typically happen in oil-fired heating systems but can occur in gas systems as well. They’re caused by a buildup of unburned fuel or vapors in the combustion chamber that ignite all at once, forcing soot and smoke back through the system.
Common causes include:
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Dirty or clogged burners or nozzles
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Blocked vents or chimneys
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Delayed ignition or failed startup
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Leaks in the oil supply line
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Lack of regular system maintenance
Even a small ignition delay can create enough pressure to push soot into living spaces through ducts, vents, or baseboard heaters.
Signs You May Have Experienced a Puffback
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A loud “puff” or bang when the furnace starts
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Soot or streaks around vents, ceilings, or walls near the boiler
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A lingering smell of oil or smoke in the home
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Fine black dust or oily residue appearing on furniture or clothing
If you notice any of these signs, shut off your heating system immediately and contact a professional.
Why You Shouldn’t Try to Clean It Yourself
The soot from a puffback is sticky and acidic, capable of staining walls, ceilings, and fabrics almost instantly. Attempting to wipe it with soap and water can smear the residue and make the damage worse. It can also affect indoor air quality and cause irritation when disturbed.
Professional cleaning involves specialized equipment, HEPA filtration, and techniques designed to safely remove residue from surfaces, contents, and air ducts.
How to Respond if a Puffback Happens
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Turn off your heating system and don’t restart it until inspected.
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Avoid using fans or your HVAC system—they can spread soot.
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Document the damage with photos or video.
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Call Insurcomm’s 24/7 Emergency Response Team. Our certified technicians respond immediately to assess, contain, and clean the damage safely.
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Notify your insurance company to begin the claims process.
Preventing Puffbacks
Prevention starts with routine maintenance. Schedule annual inspections to clean burners, replace filters, check venting, and ensure safe ignition. Keeping your system serviced before each heating season greatly reduces the chance of a misfire or fuel buildup.