What does a 'puffback' clean-out involve?

A 'puffback' clean-out primarily involves cleaning the combustion chamber to remove soot and unburned fuel. Puffbacks occur when there is a buildup of unburned oil in the combustion chamber, which ignites and creates a backfire. This results in soot and other combustible residues being expelled into the heat exchanger and other parts of the system.

During the clean-out process, the technician must ensure that the combustion chamber is thoroughly cleaned to restore proper combustion and prevent further incidents. This involves removing any accumulated soot and checking that the oil is burning correctly to avoid future puffbacks. Maintaining a clean combustion chamber is essential for the efficient operation of the heating system and for the safety of the home.

The other options address different aspects of maintenance and troubleshooting, but they do not directly relate to the specific issue of a puffback. For instance, replacing the fuel filter is an important maintenance task, but it does not tackle the problem of soot and unburned fuel in the combustion chamber. Similarly, adjusting the oil supply line and inspecting the ventilation system are related to the overall functionality of the heating system but do not focus on cleaning after a puffback incident.