DENVER -- Colorado’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program is a resource for those in need of help with home heating bills. Just remember, there’s going to be a long line of people ahead of you. Applications won’t be accepted until November 1st, but now’s the time to call (866) HEAT HELP. As cute as these devices are to help you (and me, and, it seems, everyone else in the newsroom) remember numbers, here’s the translation into something more useful. (866) 432-8435. Extra points if you notice that HEAT HELP has one letter too many. Don’t worry, the “P” (number 7 on your phone’s keypad) doesn’t register.

Something else useful this winter is the Home Energy Audit. It’s a website with details questions about your home. You provide the answers and it offers customized recommendations for cutting energy costs. www.EnergyGuide.com can also tell you which upgrades make sense for your place. The U.S. Department of Energy also has a website that lets you compare your home energy costs to both an average home and an energy efficient home in your city.

It also provides some data on how much common appliances cost to operate over the course of a year. Cut out the daily use of a coffee maker and you could cut $44 a year from your utility bill.

Next week on Money Saving Monday, we’ll be back with Lindsey Chapman of Home Depot to look at leaks and learn why your home can never have enough foam ... more or less.