Climate Zone 2B - Hot, Dry
Hot summers with low humidity. Moderate heating needs with large temperature swings. This climate zone encompasses parts of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and includes major cities like Albuquerque, El Paso, Bakersfield, Reno.
Common Questions About Zone 2B
Zone 2B definition
This page explains what IECC climate zone 2B means in HVAC and building-code terms.
Cities in zone 2B
Use the city examples below to answer common lookup searches for this zone.
Heating and cooling profile
See whether zone 2B is heating-dominant, cooling-dominant, or balanced.
HVAC requirements
Compare design temperatures, degree days, code requirements, and equipment guidance for this zone.
What IECC Climate Zone 2B Means
Temperature class
Hot (Zone 2)
Moisture class
Dry (B)
Load priority
Balanced heating and cooling
Quick definition
Hot summers with low humidity. Moderate heating needs with large temperature swings.
Common City Lookups for Zone 2B
| City | IECC zone answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | Albuquerque is commonly treated as IECC climate zone 2B in this guide. | High cooling loads |
| El Paso | El Paso is commonly treated as IECC climate zone 2B in this guide. | High cooling loads |
| Bakersfield | Bakersfield is commonly treated as IECC climate zone 2B in this guide. | High cooling loads |
| Reno | Reno is commonly treated as IECC climate zone 2B in this guide. | High cooling loads |
| Flagstaff | Flagstaff is commonly treated as IECC climate zone 2B in this guide. | High cooling loads |
Design Temperatures
Winter Design Temperatures
Used for heating load calculations and equipment sizing
Summer Design Temperatures
Used for cooling load calculations and equipment sizing
Heating & Cooling Degree Days
Heating Degree Days (HDD)
Base 65°F. Higher numbers indicate more heating requirements and longer heating seasons.
Cooling Degree Days (CDD)
Base 65°F. Higher numbers indicate more cooling requirements and longer cooling seasons.
HVAC System Considerations
Key Considerations
- •High cooling loads
- •Moderate heating needs
- •Large diurnal temperature swings
- •Dust and UV protection
- •Low humidity year-round
Common Equipment
- ✓Heat pumps
- ✓Evaporative cooling in appropriate areas
- ✓Two-stage systems
- ✓Gas furnaces with AC
Energy Code Requirements
Equipment Efficiency
- ⚠SEER 13+ minimum
- ⚠HSPF 7.7+ for heat pumps
- ⚠Radiant barriers
- ⚠Window solar heat gain limits
Insulation Requirements
Major Cities in Zone 2B
States with Zone 2B Areas
Quick Reference
Calculate Load
Use our load calculators with the design temperatures and requirements specific to Zone 2B.