What Climate Zone is Palo Alto, Iowa?

Palo Alto is in IECC Climate Zone 6A (Cold - Humid). Get accurate Manual J load calculations with official design temperatures for Palo Alto.

Climate Zone
6A
Winter Design
-9°F
Summer Design
89°F
ZIP Codes
8

Palo Alto, Iowa falls within IECC Climate Zone 6A (Cold - Humid), a heating-dominated region with humid moisture conditions. HVAC contractors working in Palo Alto must use the official ASHRAE design temperatures of -9°F (99% winter) and 89°F (1% summer) when performing Manual J load calculations. These values represent the outdoor conditions your heating and cooling system must handle 99% and 1% of the year, respectively — ensuring proper equipment sizing without costly over- or under-sizing.

Because Zone 6A is heating-dominated, insulation levels are critical. Palo Alto homes require a minimum of R-20 wall insulation, R-49 ceiling insulation, and windows with a U-factor of 0.3 or lower per the IECC 2021 energy code.

Palo Alto Insulation Requirements (IECC 2021)

Minimum insulation R-values and window performance requirements for Climate Zone 6A in Palo Alto, Iowa.

Building ComponentMinimum RequirementUnit
Ceiling / Attic InsulationR-49R-value
Wall InsulationR-20R-value
Floor InsulationR-30R-value
Window U-Factor0.3BTU/hr-ft²-°F
Window SHGC0.4Coefficient
Air Infiltration0.15ACH50

Palo Alto HVAC Contractors: Get Your Free Manual J Report

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Verify Your Palo Alto ZIP Code

Enter your ZIP code to confirm it's in Palo Alto and get climate zone details.

Palo Alto covers 8 ZIP codes: 50515, 50527, 50528, 50536, 50562, 50597, 51342, 51358

Palo Alto Design Temperatures

Official ASHRAE design temperatures for Palo Alto, used for accurate Manual J load calculations.

Winter 99% Design Temp
-9°F
Summer 1% Design Temp
89°F
Summer Wet Bulb
73°F

IECC Requirements for Zone 6A

Minimum insulation and window requirements for Palo Alto per IECC 2021.

Wall Insulation:R-20
Roof/Ceiling:R-49
Floor Insulation:R-30
Window U-Factor:0.3
Window SHGC:0.4

Energy Code: 2021 IECC

Recommended HVAC Equipment for Palo Alto

Heating Systems

Gas furnace (96%+ AFUE)
Boiler
Cold climate heat pump
Typical AFUE
96-98%

Cooling Systems

AC (13-15 SEER)
Typical SEER
13-15 SEER

Get Free Manual J Calculations for Palo Alto

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