Denver Climate Zone & Energy Code
Climate Zone: IECC Climate Zone 5B (cold-dry). Denver's mile-high elevation produces low humidity, intense solar radiation, very cold winters (-1°F heating design), and hot but dry summers (93°F cooling design). Altitude derating of equipment capacity is a required consideration in Manual S.
Energy Code & Manual J Requirement: Colorado IECC 2021 with state amendments. ACCA Manual J required for residential HVAC permits across all Denver metro jurisdictions. Denver also has local Energize Denver benchmarking requirements for larger commercial buildings.
Local Electric Utility: Xcel Energy
Building Department: City & County of Denver Community Planning & Development
Local Trade Association: ACCA Rocky Mountain Chapter / ASHRAE Rocky Mountain Chapter / SMACNA Colorado