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.
Common Questions About Zone 5B
Zone 5B definition
This page explains what IECC climate zone 5B means in HVAC and building-code terms.
Cities in zone 5B
Use the city examples below to answer common lookup searches for this zone.
Heating and cooling profile
See whether zone 5B 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 5B Means
Temperature class
Cool (Zone 5)
Moisture class
Dry (B)
Load priority
Heating-dominant
Quick definition
Warm summers and cold winters with low humidity. High heating loads.
Common City Lookups for Zone 5B
| City | IECC zone answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | Denver is commonly treated as IECC climate zone 5B in this guide. | Very high heating loads |
| Salt Lake City | Salt Lake City is commonly treated as IECC climate zone 5B in this guide. | Very high heating loads |
| Cheyenne | Cheyenne is commonly treated as IECC climate zone 5B in this guide. | Very high heating loads |
| Reno | Reno is commonly treated as IECC climate zone 5B in this guide. | Very high heating 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
- •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
Major Cities in Zone 5B
Quick Reference
Calculate Load
Use our load calculators with the design temperatures and requirements specific to Zone 5B.