The DOE claims heating alone accounts for almost 50% of a typical U.S. household's winter energy use. You could save about $150 a year in energy costs by replacing an older, inefficient heat pump with a new, high efficiency model. Right now, DP&L has a program for customers to instantly save $200-600 on the purchase of a new, high efficiency heat pump.

But there are many inexpensive ways to save too with DP&L's Tips to Stay Warm for Less.

Winter heating tips:

Use a programmable thermostat or manually decrease the temperature when you leave home so your system doesn't run as frequently. Some experts suggest 65-68 degrees for the setting while you are home during winter months. You can lower the temperature a little further when you sleep and use a heavy blanket to stay warm.

Clean or replace your furnace filters so your warm air meets less resistance. Keep furniture, draperies and other interference away from your registers, baseboard heaters and radiators -- and don't forget to clean them.

Close registers in one or two unused rooms and close the doors.

Have your system inspected annually to ensure it is running efficiently.

Remove heat-escape pathways:

The DOE found the top places air escapes from your home are:

Floors, walls and ceilings (31%)

Ducts (15%)

Fireplace (14%)

Plumbing (13%)

Doors (11%)

Windows (10%)

Fans and vents (4%)

Electric outlets (2%)

Add insulation to your hot water heater, pipes, heating ducts, attic and/or crawlspace.

Seal air leaks around doors, windows, pipes and ducts to keep cold air out and warm air from escaping.

Keep your damper closed when the fireplace isn't in use.

Enjoy the sunshine by opening your draperies and blinds on sunny days to help heat your home - then shut them at night.

Install a storm door or storm windows.

Use kitchen and bath fans no more than 20 minutes after cooking or bathing to keep warm air in your home.

Check frequently on elderly relatives and neighbors during cold, winter days. Heating assistance for income-eligible individuals is available through the Ohio Department of Development (1-800-282-0880).

See how DP&L can help you save big with energy efficiency measures at www.dpandl.com/save. Get news on new energy saving programs and tips at www.twitter.com/DPLEnergySaving.

About DPL

DPL Inc. (NYSE:DPL) is a regional energy company. DPL was named one of Forbes' "100 Most Trustworthy Companies" in 2009.

DPL's principal subsidiaries include The Dayton Power and Light Company (DP&L); DPL Energy, LLC (DPLE); and DPL Energy Resources, Inc. (DPLER). DP&L, a regulated electric utility, provides service to over 500,000 retail customers in West Central Ohio; DPLE engages in the operation of merchant peaking generation facilities; and DPLER is a competitive retail electric supplier in Ohio, selling to major industrial and commercial customers. DPL, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates approximately 3,700 megawatts of generation capacity, of which 2,800 megawatts are low cost coal-fired units and 900 megawatts are natural gas and diesel peaking units. Further information can be found at www.dpandl.com.

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