Zone 5BCool (Zone 5)
Climate Zone 5B - Cool, Dry
Warm summers and cold winters with low humidity. High heating loads. This climate zone encompasses parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and includes major cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Reno.
Design Temperatures
Winter Design Temperatures
-5°F to 15°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)
4,500 - 7,000
Base 65°F. Higher numbers indicate more heating requirements and longer heating seasons.
Cooling Degree Days (CDD)
250 - 1,000
Base 65°F. Higher numbers indicate more cooling requirements and longer cooling seasons.
HVAC System Considerations
Key Considerations
- •Very high heating loads
- •Limited cooling needs
- •Altitude effects
- •Large temperature swings
- •Equipment derating
Common Equipment
- ✓High-efficiency gas furnaces
- ✓Boilers
- ✓Heat pumps (cold climate)
- ✓Radiant heating
Energy Code Requirements
Equipment Efficiency
- ⚠SEER 13+ minimum
- ⚠HSPF 8.2+ for heat pumps
- ⚠AFUE 90+ for furnaces
- ⚠High-performance 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 5B
Quick Reference
Zone:5B
Temperature:Cool
Moisture:Dry (B)
States:4
Cities:4
Calculate Load
Use our load calculators with the design temperatures and requirements specific to Zone 5B.