1. What Are Degree Days?

Degree days are a measure of how much (in degrees) and for how long (in days) the outside air temperature is above or below a certain base temperature. They are used primarily for energy use analysis and weather-related risk management.

2. How Degree Days Are Calculated

The calculator uses the degree days formula:

Where:

• \( T_{base} \) — Base temperature (°C)
• \( T_{avg} \) — Average daily temperature (°C)
• \( \Sigma \) — Sum over the period

Explanation: Heating degree days occur when average temperature is below the base temperature, while cooling degree days occur when it's above.

3. Applications of Degree Days

Details: Degree days are used for energy consumption analysis, HVAC system sizing, building energy modeling, agricultural planning, and climate change studies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter base temperature (typically 18°C for heating, 24°C for cooling), average temperature, and number of days. The calculator will determine if they're heating or cooling degree days.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical base temperature?
A: Common base temperatures are 18°C (65°F) for heating and 24°C (75°F) for cooling, but this varies by region and building type.

Q2: How do I get average daily temperature?
A: Average the day's high and low temperatures, or use data from weather stations or online climate databases.

Q3: What's the difference between HDD and CDD?
A: HDD (Heating Degree Days) measure coldness, CDD (Cooling Degree Days) measure warmth relative to the base temperature.

Q4: Can I calculate monthly degree days?
A: Yes, sum the daily degree days for each month. Many weather services provide pre-calculated monthly degree days.

Q5: Why are degree days important for energy?
A: They correlate strongly with energy demand for heating/cooling, allowing for energy use normalization across different weather conditions.