Wisconsin spans 3 IECC climate zones. Find your exact zone, design temperatures, and get free Manual J load calculations for any Wisconsin location.
Wisconsin spans 3 IECC climate zones (Zone 5A, Zone 6A, Zone 7), which means insulation requirements, design temperatures, and equipment specs vary significantly depending on location. The primary zone, Zone 5A (Cool - Humid), is heating-dominated, with winter design temperatures as low as 0°F and summer highs reaching 91°F. HVAC contractors working across Wisconsin need to verify the exact climate zone for each job site — using the wrong zone data leads to oversized or undersized equipment, failed inspections, and unhappy homeowners.
Minimum insulation R-values and window specifications required by the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code for Wisconsin.
| Component | Zone 5A | Zone 6A | Zone 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling / Attic | R-49 | R-49 | R-60 |
| Walls | R-20 | R-20 | R-20 |
| Floor | R-30 | R-30 | R-38 |
| Window U-Factor | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Window SHGC | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.45 |
Source: IECC 2021 Table R402.1.2. Requirements shown are for residential construction. Wisconsin contractors must use the zone that corresponds to the job site location.
These ASHRAE design temperatures determine how Manual J load calculations size heating and cooling equipment for Wisconsin homes. The winter 99% value represents the coldest temperature expected, while the summer 1% value represents the hottest.
Cool - Humid
Cold - Humid
Very Cold
Based on Climate Zone 5A (Cool - Humid), here are typical HVAC equipment specifications for Wisconsin installations.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency for Wisconsin furnaces
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio for Wisconsin AC systems
Wisconsin's climate zone data ensures proper equipment sizing. No more callbacks from oversized or undersized systems.
Wisconsin building departments require IECC-compliant Manual J calculations. Our tool uses official Wisconsin climate data.
Right-sized systems based on Wisconsin climate data reduce energy costs for homeowners and improve your reputation.
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