Understanding Your Climate Zone
Your climate zone is one of the most important factors in your maintenance schedule. SeasonKeep uses the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) climate zone system to determine which tasks apply to your home and when they should be scheduled.
What Are Climate Zones?
The IECC divides the United States into climate zones based on temperature and moisture patterns. Each zone has a number (1–8, from hottest to coldest) and a letter indicating moisture type:
- A — Humid (high rainfall and humidity)
- B — Dry (arid or semi-arid)
- C — Marine (mild, coastal influence)
For example, Zone 4A (Mixed-Humid) describes areas like Charlotte, NC with warm summers and cool winters in a humid climate.
Common Climate Zones
Here are some examples:
- Zone 2A (Hot-Humid) — Houston, TX — Long hot summers, mild winters
- Zone 3A (Warm-Humid) — Atlanta, GA — Warm summers, cool winters
- Zone 5A (Cool-Humid) — Chicago, IL — Cold winters, warm summers
- Zone 6A (Cold-Humid) — Minneapolis, MN — Harsh winters
- Zone 7 (Very Cold) — Duluth, MN — Severe winters, short summers
How Your Zone Affects Your Schedule
Your climate zone influences your maintenance calendar in three key ways:
Task selection — Some tasks only apply in certain climates. Homes in Zone 1A don't need pipe insulation checks, while homes in Zone 7 don't need year-round A/C maintenance.
Scheduling timing — The same task might be scheduled in March for Zone 3A but May for Zone 6A, based on when seasons actually shift in your area.
Task frequency — Humid climates may require more frequent mold inspections and dehumidifier maintenance, while dry climates need irrigation system checks more often.
How We Determine Your Zone
When you enter your zip code during onboarding, SeasonKeep automatically looks up your climate zone. If the automatic lookup doesn't match your area (some zip codes span zone boundaries), you can manually select your zone from a dropdown.
Can I Change My Climate Zone?
Yes. Go to Settings > Homes, select the home you want to update, and change the climate zone. This will regenerate your maintenance calendar to match the new location.