Degree Day Analysis for December 2021
With the start of the New Year, we are now able to look back at December's temperature data and its impact on HVAC use. Home heating needs decreased 46% this December compared to December 2020 thanks to unseasonably warm weather. (Actually wearing shorts right now while I type this!) Many may have been worried about December due to the unusually cold November we experienced. November 2021 required 80% more home heating than November 2020. November 2021 also required 26% more home heating than December 2021. In fact, this December had a few cooling degree days but if you're frugal like me you probably turned on a fan rather than cutting the A/C back on.
Of course some holiday tasks may contribute to higher energy use, like Thanksgiving dinner preparations, overnight guests or holiday lights but don't lose focus of the major contributors: HVAC and water heating. Or maybe you have a hot tub and have been putting it to good use a few chilly nights. The best way to prevent runaway bills is to sign up for a high energy use alert. It's a free service and every single Tideland member should be using it. And don't forget you can view your meter's daily energy use and hourly or 15-minute interval data on the member portal.
Let's make 2022 our most energy efficient year yet!
Happy New Year!
Manager of Energy Services and Corporate Communications
Want to learn more about heating degree days (HDD) and cooling degrees days (CDD)? Here you go!
