Degree days are calculated using a base temperature of 65°F with the daily average temperature to quantify energy demand.

Degree days are calculated using a base temperature of 65°F with the daily average temperature to quantify energy demand.

• A. Cooling degree day
• B. Weather day
• C. Degree day
• D. Heating degree day

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how degree days quantify energy demand by comparing daily average temperatures to a 65°F base. When the day’s mean temperature is below 65°F, heating needs rise, and when it’s above 65°F, cooling needs rise. The terms heating degree days and cooling degree days capture these two specific cases, but the general idea of using a 65°F base to measure energy demand across days is called a degree day. Since the statement describes using the base temperature with daily averages to quantify energy demand in a broad sense, the best fit is degree day. The other options refer to one specific type (heating or cooling) or, in one case, is not a standard term, so they don’t match the general concept as well.

The concept being tested is how degree days quantify energy demand by comparing daily average temperatures to a 65°F base. When the day’s mean temperature is below 65°F, heating needs rise, and when it’s above 65°F, cooling needs rise. The terms heating degree days and cooling degree days capture these two specific cases, but the general idea of using a 65°F base to measure energy demand across days is called a degree day. Since the statement describes using the base temperature with daily averages to quantify energy demand in a broad sense, the best fit is degree day. The other options refer to one specific type (heating or cooling) or, in one case, is not a standard term, so they don’t match the general concept as well.