Climate ZonesRhode Island

Rhode Island HVAC Climate Zones

Rhode Island is in IECC Climate Zone 5A (Cool - Humid). Get accurate Manual J load calculations with official design temperatures and IECC requirements.

Find Your Rhode Island Climate Zone

Rhode Island falls entirely within IECC Climate Zone 5A (Cool - Humid), making it a heating-dominated state where furnace capacity and insulation R-values are the primary sizing concerns. With a winter 99% design temperature of 0°F and a summer 1% design temperature of 91°F, Rhode Island HVAC contractors must size systems for a 91°F temperature swing between extreme winter and summer conditions. Proper Manual J load calculations using these design temperatures are essential for code-compliant, right-sized installations that avoid callbacks and comfort complaints.

Rhode Island Insulation Requirements (IECC 2021)

Minimum insulation R-values and window specifications required by the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code for Rhode Island.

ComponentZone 5A
Ceiling / AtticR-49
WallsR-20
FloorR-30
Window U-Factor0.3
Window SHGC0.4

Source: IECC 2021 Table R402.1.2. Requirements shown are for residential construction.

Rhode Island ASHRAE Design Temperatures

These ASHRAE design temperatures determine how Manual J load calculations size heating and cooling equipment for Rhode Island homes. The winter 99% value represents the coldest temperature expected, while the summer 1% value represents the hottest.

Zone 5ACool - Humid

Winter 99%
0°F
Heating design
Summer 1%
91°F
Cooling design
Wet Bulb
75°F
Humidity load
Temperature swing: 91°F

Climate Zone in Rhode Island

Climate Zone 5A

View Details →

Cool - Humid

Design Temperatures

Winter
0°F
Summer
91°F
Wet Bulb
75°F

IECC 2021 Requirements

Wall:R-20
Roof:R-49
Floor:R-30
Window U:0.3

Load Characteristic

Heating-Dominated
humid Climate

Recommended Equipment for Rhode Island

Based on Climate Zone 5A (Cool - Humid), here are typical HVAC equipment specifications for Rhode Island installations.

Heating Systems

Gas furnace (95%+ AFUE)
Boiler
Heat pump (cold climate)
Typical AFUE Rating
95-98%

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency for Rhode Island furnaces

Cooling Systems

AC (13-16 SEER)
Heat pump
Typical SEER Rating
13-16 SEER

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio for Rhode Island AC systems

Why Accurate Climate Data Matters in Rhode Island

Accurate Sizing

Rhode Island's climate zone data ensures proper equipment sizing. No more callbacks from oversized or undersized systems.

Code Compliance

Rhode Island building departments require IECC-compliant Manual J calculations. Our tool uses official Rhode Island climate data.

Energy Savings

Right-sized systems based on Rhode Island climate data reduce energy costs for homeowners and improve your reputation.

Get Free Manual J Calculations for Rhode Island

Upload your Rhode Island blueprint and get a professional Manual J load calculation with official climate zone data. First report is FREE.

Zone 5A design temps
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