Southern Alberta is starting to see some more winter weather, and so it’s probably time to start thinking about how to get your home ready for the season. Before the frost comes, make sure you take care of everything outside. Any rain barrels should be emptied so they don’t crack over winter. Make sure to cover any outdoor plants or vegetation that need protection. It’s also a good time to look around your home for any cracks or gaps around your windows. Make sure they’re sealed to help keep your energy costs down. “It’s amazing how it adds up, and it seems like our energy costs go up every year,” said Kathleen Sheppard, Environment Lethbridge executive director. “It’s things like programmable thermostats. “Or even just getting into a regular habit of turning up the heat when you’re in the house and turning it down when you leave.” Cooler temperatures appear to be here to stay. Overnight lows are expected to be below zero for the next week.