Expert: James Ball - 11/24/2008

Question
I have a question about an oil burner. We have temporarily rented a house on Long Island with small baseboard heaters fueled by an oil burner in the basement. Since we turned on the heat my husband and I have been experiencing more respiratory problems. It hasn't been severe. However, we do notice (sorry if this is gross) that when we sneeze, black soot comes out. Is this dangerous? Could this be an oil burner problem? Where could soot be coming in? Is it something that we have done in the last three months or is this something that our landlord is responsible for? We keep the house tidy. But, it was FILTHY when we moved in and the basement is a disaster area that we can barely get into.

Thanks for your advice!
Nicole

Answer
Hello Nicole, I have a friend in long island at http://www.chiefchimney.com/ Ask for Diane Pilger, I have worked with her husband John, great guy and they are one of the best in that area, you can mention my name.
what your are describing sounds like the boiler is leaking, blowing soot into the building either from a problem with the boiler or a blocked chimney.
call them ASAP to look into this but they might not have time until after the holiday, if so open windows in the basement and get a carbon monoxide detector.
keep me posted
James Ball