(HealthDay News) -- To stay safe and warm during winter, make sure your heating system is functioning properly.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests:

• Call a professional to service your system to ensure that it is clean, properly ventilated and functioning well.
• Have chimneys and fireplaces inspected and cleaned.
• Make sure smoke detectors are installed and that batteries are tested monthly.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector and be aware of CO poisoning symptoms, such as nausea and headache.