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 consumption analysis and weather-related calculations.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Degree Days formula:

Where:

• \( DD \) — Degree Days
• \( T\_avg \) — Average daily temperature (°C)
• \( T\_base \) — Base temperature (°C)
• \( + \) — Only positive differences are considered

Explanation: For heating degree days, we calculate T_base - T_avg (only positive values). For cooling degree days, we calculate T_avg - T_base (only positive values). The result is multiplied by the number of days.

3. Importance Of Degree Days Calculation

Details: Degree days are crucial for energy management, HVAC system design, agricultural planning, and climate analysis. They help predict heating and cooling requirements for buildings.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter average temperature in °C, base temperature in °C, number of days, and select degree days type. All values must be valid (days > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between heating and cooling degree days?
A: Heating degree days measure how cold it is (when T_avg < T_base), while cooling degree days measure how hot it is (when T_avg > T_base).

Q2: What is a typical base temperature?
A: Common base temperatures are 18°C for heating and 24°C for cooling, but this can vary based on building type and location.

Q3: How are degree days used in practice?
A: They are used to normalize energy consumption data, compare energy usage across different time periods, and design HVAC systems.

Q4: Can I use Fahrenheit instead of Celsius?
A: Yes, but the formula remains the same. Just ensure all temperature inputs are in the same unit.

Q5: Why only positive differences are considered?
A: Negative differences would indicate no heating/cooling requirement, so they are set to zero in the calculation.