With cooler weather and higher energy rates, it's time to focus on caulking and weather-stripping.

To save money on your electrical bill, weather strip your windows and doors and caulk those slight cracks that let out the heat that's going to cost a lot more this year.

Get your attic and walls well insulated and turn down your water heater to 120 degrees. Also, get a programmable thermostat for the home heater.

The Environmental Protection Agency also suggests another change -- switching from incandescent light bulbs to "energy star" bulbs. At $1.50 to $8 per bulb they cost more, but the EPA said it's worth it.

"The initial cost is more expensive to buy one of these bulbs. However, over the life of the bulb a consumer can look to save about $25," said EPA administrator Stephen Johnson.

The EPA said nearly 20 percent of your electric bill pays for lighting but other things can run your bill up too. If the fridge is more than 10 years old, get a more efficient model because it uses more energy than any other home appliance. Maybe use the old fridge as a planter or an entertainment center.

The beauty part is that most of the smart fixes cost little and add up to big savings.

For help paying your heating bill, LEAP starts taking applications for the energy assistance program Nov. 1. Call 1-866-HEAT -HELP for information and to apply.

And if you live in Boulder, the city's office of environmental affairs started giving your efforts a kick start. Boulder's handing out energy awareness kits, which include one compact florescent light bulb. It also an energy reduction checklist.

Next Wednesday, Boulderites will be able to get the kits in 1100 block of the Pearl Street Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information about Boulder's offer, call (303) 441-3878 or go to www.environmentalaffairs.com.