Zone 5ACool (Zone 5)
Climate Zone 5A - Cool, Humid
Warm summers and cold winters with humidity. Heating loads dominate. This climate zone encompasses parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and includes major cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, Philadelphia.
Design Temperatures
Winter Design Temperatures
-10°F to 10°F
Used for heating load calculations and equipment sizing
Summer Design Temperatures
80°F to 90°F
Used for cooling load calculations and equipment sizing
Heating & Cooling Degree Days
Heating Degree Days (HDD)
4,000 - 6,500
Base 65°F. Higher numbers indicate more heating requirements and longer heating seasons.
Cooling Degree Days (CDD)
500 - 1,500
Base 65°F. Higher numbers indicate more cooling requirements and longer cooling seasons.
HVAC System Considerations
Key Considerations
- •High heating loads
- •Moderate cooling needs
- •Freeze protection critical
- •Humidity control
- •Snow load considerations
Common Equipment
- ✓Gas furnaces with AC
- ✓Boilers with separate cooling
- ✓Heat pumps with backup
- ✓High-efficiency systems
Energy Code Requirements
Equipment Efficiency
- ⚠SEER 13+ minimum
- ⚠HSPF 7.7+ for heat pumps
- ⚠AFUE 80+ for furnaces
- ⚠Enhanced building envelope
Insulation Requirements
Walls:R-19 to R-21
Ceiling:R-49 to R-60
Floor:R-25 to R-30
Major Cities in Zone 5A
States with Zone 5A Areas
Quick Reference
Zone:5A
Temperature:Cool
Moisture:Moist (A)
States:7
Cities:5
Calculate Load
Use our load calculators with the design temperatures and requirements specific to Zone 5A.