Local weather or climatic conditions are one of three factors that affects the amount of heat loss through conduction. When examining weather conditions, we look at both the inside and outside temperature of a home.
The inside temperature is usually taken as a standard comfort temperature of 65ºF. The outside temperature varies by the hour. Knowing this information can help us to understand two concepts:
The formula for determining the Heating Degree Day (HHD) is:
To calculate HDD:
Note: If the Ta is equal to or above 65 ºF, there are no heating degree days for that 24-hour period, or HDD = 0.
Click the play button below, and observe the temperature changes. Then calculate the average temperature and the Heating Degree Day.
Click here to open a text description of the Heating Degree Days activity.
Picture a house with a thermometer on the porch. The current outside temperature is 60 degrees. As thick clouds start to move in, the temperature begins to drop in 5 degree increments, first to 55 degrees, then 50 degrees, etc. When the clouds have completely blocked the Sun, the thermometer reads 40 degrees.
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