As winter approaches and furnace use increases, local experts say to make sure your furnace filter is clean for best results. They’re also reminding those with furnaces to check or replace the batteries in the thermostat.

If you heat your home with oil or wood, you should be sure to have your chimney cleared to prevent a chimney fire. Having heating equipment checked is always recommended.

“If you burn with gas, and you have a breech in the heating exchanger, you could get some carbon monoxide in the house.,” said Paul Collis, vice president of Fred F. Collis & Sons. “It's a completely odorless, colorless, tasteless product and you won't even know it's happening until you get some symptoms. You know you could feel tired, nauseous, you know, stuff like that.”

For those leaving down throughout the holidays and winter season, there’s a device called the Winter Watchman that plugs into a wall outlet and then you plug a light into it. If your home temperature drops below a set temperature, the light goes on, which indicates to a friend or neighbor that there’s a problem with the heat in your home. This can help prevent damage from cold or freezing temperatures.