A furnace is considered to be a standard component of heating systems in any home. Yet, most furnaces create potentially toxic gases during the performance of their functions. Heating systems are designed to be secure and safe, venting any toxic gases out of the home safely. There are also safeguards employed to shut down the heating system in the event of a problem or error, which should minimize the risk of toxic gases inadvertently entering your home. Regardless of these safety measures, homeowners should be aware of how a furnace vents toxic gases and the additional preventative measures for extra security. 
How a Furnace Vents Toxic Gases:
The process of creating toxic gases begins when the burners in the furnace are ignited. This ignition generates heat as the natural gas that is fed into the system is burned. Unfortunately, as natural fuels contain toxic elements, it cannot simply pass into your home. To permit this heat to safely enter your home, a heat exchanger is used. A heat exchanger is a long metal tube with an opening on either end that allows the gasses to pass through. The burnt gas heats up the metal tube, heating the surrounding air. This heated air is safe and contains no toxic gases. The duct system of the furnace uses a blower fan to move this heated air around the home. Any toxic gases produced by the burners are passed through the heat exchanger and into a venting pipe, where they can be safely passed out of the system and vented outside.
Avoiding Potential Problems:
While the simplicity of this type of systems tends to be what ensures its safety if a problem arises, it tends to be a big one. Should the heat exchanger crack, toxic gases could be vented into your home. Likewise, if the venting pipe becomes clogged, a backflow of gas could occur. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to avoid these potential problems.
A regular maintenance schedule can ensure that your system is running efficiently and safely. A professional and experienced technician will be able to detect potential problems before they can develop into a major issue. Regular maintenance will ensure that the integrity of the heat exchanger has not been compromised or that there are no blockages accumulating in the venting pipe.
Another way to avoid a potentially dangerous problem is to be gas aware. Utility companies add an odor to domestic gas supplies to enable homeowners to detect a leak. If you smell gas, you should take the matter very seriously and contact an emergency service. Even if there is only a small leak, it could still be highly dangerous and should be checked by a trained professional.
While the prospect of toxic gas in your home may be a little daunting, a gas powered furnace is one of the most effective ways to heat your home. Fortunately, regular maintenance can offer the assurance and confidence that your system is not only running efficiently but is operating properly. This will ensure that it is safe, and your whole family is protected from toxic gas.