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What does the term "cooling degree day" mean?

"Cooling degree day" is a unit used to estimate the energy needed to cool a building. One unit is given for each degree Fahrenheit above the daily mean (average) temperature when the mean temperature exceeds 75°F (24°C). For example, a day on which the temperature is 85°F (29°C) would be rated as ten cooling degree days. The greater the number of cooling degree days, the more fuel is needed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Source: The McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, p. 431.

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