Abstract
Energy demand for climate control was analyzed for Miami
(the warmest large metropolitan area in the US) and Minneapolis (the coldest
large metropolitan area). The following relevant parameters were included in
the analysis: (1) climatological deviations from the desired indoor temperature
as expressed in heating and cooling degree days, (2) efficiencies of heating
and cooling appliances, and (3) efficiencies of power-generating plants. The
results indicate that climate control in Minneapolis is about 3.5 times as
energy demanding as in Miami. This finding suggests that, in the US, living in
cold climates is more energy demanding than living in hot climates.