Before the temperature starts to take a deep dive below the freezing mark, this is the time to prepare your home for winter.

Shutting off outdoor water sources is the first step to ensuring you don't have any frozen or burst water lines.

Another step is to remove the garden hose from the outdoor spout if it is hung on a bracket higher than the spout, causing water to pool in the pipes which could lead to the potential of a bust water line. 

To make sure your home is energy efficient and ready to keep you warm, check your window seals for cracking or damage and the weather stripping around your doors that could be letting in cold air.

Another step is to replace the filter on your furnace to ensure the highest level of efficiency.

An area that may create issues that you may not think about is your gutters; if they are filled up with leaves and other debris, they could become clogged and packed with snow and ice preventing proper run off when the temperature starts to rise.

Mary O'Sullivan-Andersen, President and CEO of BBB Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay, said it's better to be prepared than left with a hefty repair bill.

"Even if you don't suspect any problems with your home, sometimes waiting for signs of repair can lead to more serious and costly issues."