Zone 8Subarctic (Zone 8)
Climate Zone 8 - Subarctic
Cool summers and extremely cold winters. Heating only climate. This climate zone encompasses parts of Alaska and includes major cities like Fairbanks, Anchorage, Barrow.
Design Temperatures
Winter Design Temperatures
-50°F to -20°F
Used for heating load calculations and equipment sizing
Summer Design Temperatures
60°F to 70°F
Used for cooling load calculations and equipment sizing
Heating & Cooling Degree Days
Heating Degree Days (HDD)
12,000 - 20,000
Base 65°F. Higher numbers indicate more heating requirements and longer heating seasons.
Cooling Degree Days (CDD)
0 - 0
Base 65°F. Higher numbers indicate more cooling requirements and longer cooling seasons.
HVAC System Considerations
Key Considerations
- •Extreme heating loads only
- •No cooling equipment needed
- •Permafrost considerations
- •Equipment designed for extreme cold
- •Multiple backup systems required
Common Equipment
- ✓High-efficiency oil/gas furnaces
- ✓Boilers
- ✓Electric resistance heating
- ✓Wood/coal backup systems
Energy Code Requirements
Equipment Efficiency
- ⚠Maximum efficiency equipment required
- ⚠Superior building envelope
- ⚠Continuous insulation mandatory
- ⚠Extreme air sealing requirements
Insulation Requirements
Walls:R-21+
Ceiling:R-60+
Floor:R-30+
States with Zone 8 Areas
Quick Reference
Zone:8
Temperature:Subarctic
Moisture:Variable
States:1
Cities:3
Calculate Load
Use our load calculators with the design temperatures and requirements specific to Zone 8.