NORFOLK, Va. — If your heating bill has been higher than normal this winter, you’re not alone, and it’s not just about a few cold nights. The main reason comes down to something meteorologists and energy companies track closely: Heating Degree Days.
Heating Degree Days, or HDDs, are a simple way to measure how much heating is needed over time based on how cold it is outside. Instead of focusing on individual temperature extremes, HDDs capture the overall demand for heat throughout the season.
Heating Degree Days estimate how much heating is required on a given day using a baseline temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. When the average temperature for the day falls below that threshold, heating is typically needed…