Zone 6ACold (Zone 6)
Climate Zone 6A - Cold, Humid
Short warm summers and long cold winters. Very high heating loads. This climate zone encompasses parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and includes major cities like Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Burlington.
Design Temperatures
Winter Design Temperatures
-20°F to 0°F
Used for heating load calculations and equipment sizing
Summer Design Temperatures
75°F to 85°F
Used for cooling load calculations and equipment sizing
Heating & Cooling Degree Days
Heating Degree Days (HDD)
6,000 - 8,500
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
- •Extremely high heating loads
- •Short cooling season
- •Freeze protection essential
- •Snow and ice loads
- •Equipment cold weather performance
Common Equipment
- ✓High-efficiency gas furnaces
- ✓Boilers
- ✓Cold climate heat pumps
- ✓Radiant heating systems
Energy Code Requirements
Equipment Efficiency
- ⚠SEER 13+ minimum
- ⚠HSPF 8.2+ for heat pumps
- ⚠AFUE 90+ for furnaces
- ⚠Continuous insulation required
Insulation Requirements
Walls:R-20 to R-21
Ceiling:R-49 to R-60
Floor:R-25 to R-30
Major Cities in Zone 6A
Quick Reference
Zone:6A
Temperature:Cold
Moisture:Moist (A)
States:7
Cities:5
Calculate Load
Use our load calculators with the design temperatures and requirements specific to Zone 6A.