Georgia HVAC Load Calculation Guide
Georgia is a cooling-dominated state where humidity control is as important as temperature control, driven by rapid population growth in the Atlanta metro area and hot humid summers across most of the state.
Try the Georgia HVAC Load Calculator
Get a preliminary estimate using Georgia-specific design temperatures. Our heating load calculator uses ASHRAE methodology with the local climate inputs below.
Design Temperatures
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Design Temperature (99%) | 20°F | ASHRAE Handbook 2021 |
| Summer Design Temperature (1%) | 93°F | ASHRAE Handbook 2021 |
| IECC Climate Zone(s) | 3A (Warm - Humid), 4A (Mixed - Humid) | ASHRAE 169-2021 |
| HVAC Load Type | Cooling-Dominated | — |
Georgia Building Codes & Energy Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Energy Code | 2020 Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code (based on 2015 IECC with GA amendments) |
| Minimum SEER | 14.0 SEER (federal minimum) |
| HVAC License Required | Yes — Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board — Conditioned Air Contractor license required (Class I or II) |
| Average Electricity Rate | $13.58/kWh (US average: $0.1701/kWh) |
Major Cities — Design Temperature Reference
| City | Summer Design (1% DB) | Winter Design (99% DB) | Load Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 91°F | 20°F | Cooling |
| Augusta | 94°F | 20°F | Cooling |
| Columbus | 94°F | 20°F | Cooling |
| Savannah | 92°F | 20°F | Cooling |
| Athens | 92°F | 20°F | Cooling |
Quick Facts
- State: Georgia (GA)
- Climate Zone(s): 3A, 4A
- Winter Design: 20°F
- Summer Design: 93°F
- Energy Code: 2020 Georgia State Minimum Standard Ener...
- Avg. Electric Rate: $13.58/kWh
- License Required: Yes
Georgia HVAC Challenges
- High humidity across the state especially in summer
- Atlanta urban heat island effect
- Mixed climate — hot humid south vs cooler north Georgia mountains
- Rapid population growth driving new construction HVAC demand
- Pine pollen and air quality considerations for ventilation
Local Utilities & Resources
- Georgia Power (investor-owned)
- Jackson EMC (electric-cooperative)
- Cobb EMC (electric-cooperative)
Georgia HVAC FAQ
The ASHRAE winter design temperature for Georgia is 20°F and the summer design temperature is 93°F. These values are used for heating and cooling load calculations per ACCA Manual J methodology.
Georgia spans 3A, 4A per ASHRAE Standard 169-2021. This classification determines minimum insulation requirements, energy code compliance path, and HVAC equipment sizing parameters.
The required HVAC size depends on home square footage, insulation levels, window area, and orientation. For a typical 2,000 sq ft home in Georgia, use our heating load calculator with the local design temperature of 20°F (winter) or 93°F (summer) for a preliminary estimate.
Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board — Conditioned Air Contractor license required (Class I or II)
Georgia follows the 2020 Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code (based on 2015 IECC with GA amendments). This code sets minimum requirements for HVAC equipment efficiency, duct insulation, envelope insulation, and ventilation.
Design Guides & Standards for Georgia
Explore related resources for accurate HVAC sizing.