What are heating (cooling) degree days?
Heating degree days are indicators of household energy consumption for space heating. It was found that for an average outdoor temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, most buildings require heat to maintain a 70 degree temperature inside. Similarly, for an average outdoor temperature of 65 degrees or more, most buildings require air-conditioning to maintain a 70 degree temperature inside. To compute degree days, take the high and low temperature for the day, and average them. If this number is greater than 65 degrees, then we have cooling degree days. If the average is less than 65 degrees, then we have heating degree days. Follow this link for heating degree days Glossary AGA – American Gas Association APGA – American Public Gas Association Air-gas-ratio – The ratio of the air supply to the gas supply, necessary to achieve proper combustion BTU British Thermal Unit – A measurement of heat. One BTU is equal to the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit
