Panasonic heat pump efficiency: 29 outdoor models compared

Panasonic has 29 heat pump outdoor models certified with this refrigerant group, in 277 AHRI-certified combinations. Each model is compared with models of the same size and duct type, so the scores below do not depend on which sizes Panasonic makes. Panasonic has no QMID (IRS Qualified Manufacturer ID) on file, so it is not ranked against other manufacturers.

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ManufacturerData as of Oct 9, 2026updated Oct 10, 2026 · sources

Outdoor models: 29
AHRI certifications: 277
Efficiency index: 68%; Typical model vs same-size, same-type peers (37 models)
Meet CEE 2025: 96.6%; 28 models

How Panasonic compares with comparable models

For each rating: the share of same-size, same-type models that a typical model of this manufacturer beats (50% is typical), its rank, and the raw median for context. Raw medians are not comparable across manufacturers that make different sizes.

Panasonic against every ranked manufacturerPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: each ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of Panasonic’s own modelsPanasonic is strongest on HSPF2 (its typical model beats 80% of comparable models) and weakest on EER2 (62%).

Panasonic
Middle half of its models
Other ranked manufacturers

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of Oct 9, 2026

Average peer percentile of Panasonic’s models
Rating	Beats comparable models	Rank	Raw median
Efficiency index37 models scored	68%	Not ranked	—
COP at 5°F37 models scored	64%	Not ranked	2.00
Capacity retention at 5°F37 models scored	72%	Not ranked	90%
HSPF237 models scored	80%	Not ranked	10.3
SEER237 models scored	66%	Not ranked	20.0
EER237 models scored	62%	Not ranked	12.0
Heating capacity at 5°F37 models scored	74%	Not ranked	21,600 Btu/h

Standards met

Share of Panasonic’s models with at least one qualifying certification
Standard	Share	Models
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	96.6%	28
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	96.6%	28
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)	20.7%	6
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)	89.7%	26
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge	20.7%	6
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate	79.3%	23

Sizes and duct types offered

Models per peer group, and how they score against the other models of that group.

Panasonic’s models inside each size and duct typeShape: every model of the group · blue: the middle half of this manufacturer’s models there, median dot, 10th–90th percentile line

Panasonic (median, middle 50%, 10th–90th)
All models of the group

Source: AHRI Directory · as of Oct 9, 2026

Share of comparable models beaten, per peer group
Size and duct type	Models	Index	COP@5°F	HSPF2	SEER2
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	6	68%	76%	74%	70%
Ducted, 2 tons	3	64%	51%	86%	67%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	6	64%	50%	78%	65%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	5	52%	35%	70%	58%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	9	81%	86%	89%	74%
Non-ducted, 2 tons	4	76%	83%	88%	72%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	3	57%	46%	71%	44%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	1	63%	37%	57%	56%

Every Panasonic model in the market

Panasonic’s 37 models with a known size and duct type, over the shape of the whole catalog.

Panasonic models by size and ratingColoured: Panasonic · grey shapes: all 14,508 models · lines: catalog medians by size

Panasonic models
Ducted median by size
Non-ducted median by size
Every model at each size (width = count)
Standard threshold

Dots: 37 panasonic models, each through its representative certification, in the colour of the rating shown. The grey shapes count all 14,508 models, half a ton at a time.

Show the data as a table

COP at 5°F by size and duct type (every model, by rated cooling capacity)
Duct type, size	Models	10th pct.	25th	Median	75th	90th
Ducted, 0.5 tons	826	1.64	1.71	1.75	1.85	2.24
Ducted, 1 ton	407	1.80	1.90	2.05	2.41	2.45
Ducted, 1.5 tons	992	1.75	1.86	2.00	2.17	2.40
Ducted, 2 tons	999	1.75	1.86	2.00	2.18	2.30
Ducted, 2.5 tons	1,040	1.70	1.80	2.00	2.10	2.36
Ducted, 3 tons	696	1.80	1.90	2.00	2.10	2.42
Ducted, 3.5 tons	864	1.70	1.80	2.00	2.10	2.46
Ducted, 4 tons	727	1.80	1.86	2.00	2.12	2.40
Ducted, 4.5 tons	690	1.70	1.80	1.90	2.10	2.20
Ducted, 5 tons	86	1.89	2.00	2.10	2.10	2.10
Non-ducted, 0.5 tons	1,186	1.75	1.80	1.90	2.00	2.22
Non-ducted, 1 ton	1,343	1.80	1.80	1.99	2.10	2.21
Non-ducted, 1.5 tons	1,261	1.80	1.80	2.00	2.10	2.31
Non-ducted, 2 tons	761	1.80	1.98	2.00	2.10	2.30
Non-ducted, 2.5 tons	403	1.80	1.85	2.00	2.00	2.10
Non-ducted, 3 tons	473	1.90	1.98	2.00	2.03	2.20
Non-ducted, 3.5 tons	280	2.00	2.00	2.00	2.05	2.10
Non-ducted, 4 tons	204	1.96	2.00	2.05	2.10	2.11
Non-ducted, 4.5 tons	78	1.90	1.91	1.95	2.01	2.01
Non-ducted, 5 tons	84	1.99	2.00	2.05	2.20	2.20

Source: AHRI Directory · as of Oct 9, 2026

Top Panasonic models

Its top five cold-climate picks and its top five all-around models across sizes (both scores compare each model with models of its own size and duct type, so sizes compare), then, on each single rating, the model that beats the largest share of comparable models.

Cold-climate picks

Top 5 Panasonic cold-climate picks across sizes. Qualifies when its capacity retention at 5°F (capacity at 5°F as a share of capacity at 47°F) is at least 70% and Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 are all rated. Score = the equal-weight mean of its peer percentiles on Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100), all from one certified pairing: in each duct type a model is sold in, its qualifying pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
# · Outdoor model	Size · type	Cap. 5/47	COP@5°F	HSPF2	Btu/h @5°F	SEER2	Meets	Combos	AHRI ref.	Compared with	Score
1CU-XZ9AKUACPANASONIC · Climapure XZwith ductless indoor unit CS-XZ9AKUAW	0.5 tons8,700 Btu/h · Non-ducted	134%	2.32	12.0	11,700	27.5	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	2	214837752	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	94.9
2CU-2Z18ABUCPANASONIC · MultiZone	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	122%	2.15	12.5	22,000	22.5	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	1	214837934	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	91.9
3CU-3Z22ABUCPANASONIC · MultiZone	2 tons22,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	105%	2.27	10.7	23,000	24.5	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	1	214837935	Non-ducted, 2 tons	90.9
4CU-XZ18AKUACPANASONIC · Climapure XZwith ductless indoor unit CS-XZ18AKUAW	1.5 tons17,200 Btu/h · Non-ducted	103%	2.22	11.7	17,800	22.0	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	2	214837755	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	90.5
5CU-XZ12AKUACPANASONIC · Climapure XZwith ductless indoor unit CS-XZ12AKUAW	1 ton11,500 Btu/h · Non-ducted	119%	2.11	11.7	13,700	25.0	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	2	214837753	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	90.0

All-around best

Top 5 Panasonic models on the all-around score across sizes. Score = 50% heating, the mean of its peer percentiles on COP at 5°F, Capacity retention at 5°F, HSPF2, plus 50% cooling, the mean of its peer percentiles on SEER2 and EER2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100). All five ratings are required; there is no minimum heat kept at 5°F. In each duct type a model is sold in, it is scored on its pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher cold-climate score, then the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
# · Outdoor model	Size · type	Cap. 5/47	COP@5°F	HSPF2	SEER2	EER2	Meets	Combos	AHRI ref.	Compared with	Score	Heating half	Cooling half	Cold-climate score
1CU-XZ9AKUACPANASONIC · Climapure XZwith ductless indoor unit CS-XZ9AKUAW	0.5 tons8,700 Btu/h · Non-ducted	134%	2.32	12.0	27.5	16.4	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	2	214837752	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	95.9	94.9	96.8	94.9
2CU-XZ12AKUACPANASONIC · Climapure XZwith ductless indoor unit CS-XZ12AKUAW	1 ton11,500 Btu/h · Non-ducted	119%	2.11	11.7	25.0	14.4	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	2	214837753	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	89.2	90.0	88.3	90.0
3CU-4Z24BBUCPANASONIC · MultiZone	2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	113%	2.08	11.4	24.0	13.5	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	1	216441721	Non-ducted, 2 tons	87.8	85.3	90.3	85.3
4CU-3Z22ABUCPANASONIC · MultiZone	2 tons22,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	105%	2.27	10.7	24.5	12.8	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	1	214837935	Non-ducted, 2 tons	87.4	90.9	83.9	90.9
5CU-YM9CBUCPanasonic · CU Serieswith ductless indoor unit CS-YM9CKUW	1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	82%	2.33	13.0	24.6	14.7	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218027960	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	86.7	85.9	87.4	85.9

Best model on each rating

Panasonic’s model with the highest peer percentile on each rating, ranked by that one rating only
Rating	Model	Value	Compared with	Beats	AHRI ref.
COP at 5°F	CU-YM12CBUC	2.51	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	99%	218027972
Capacity retention at 5°F	CU-XZ9AKUAC	134%	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	99%	214837752
HSPF2	CU-6YM48CBUC	11.0	Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	99%	218027983
SEER2	CU-XZ9AKUAC	27.5	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	96%	214837752
EER2	CU-XZ9AKUAC	16.4	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	97%	214837752
Heating capacity at 5°F	CU-2Z18ABUC	22,000 Btu/h	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	99%	214837934

All 29 Panasonic models in Explore

Panasonic size class by size class: cold-climate and all-around

Its best model on each board in every size and duct type it makes. Both scores are 0–100 against every model of that size class (the line on each bar is 50, the typical model there). Cold-climate picks must keep at least 70% of their heat at 5°F; the all-around score needs all five ratings and has no such bar.

Panasonic: best cold-climate pick and best all-around model per size and duct type, with how many of its models are on each board (top 5 and 5 per class are in the snapshot)
Size and duct type	Cold-climate pickCold-climate score, best model	All-around bestAll-around score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	80.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-YM9CBUCwith ducted air handler CS-YM9CD2UW5 of 6 models qualify · AHRI 218027968	78.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-YM18CBUCwith ducted air handler CS-YM18CD1UW6 of 6 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218027970
Ducted, 2 tons	77.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-YM24CBUCwith ducted air handler CS-YM24CD1UW3 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 218027971	78.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-YM24CBUCwith ducted air handler CS-YM24CD1UW3 of 3 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218027971
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	83.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-5YM36CBUC5 of 6 models qualify · AHRI 218027980	84.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-5YM36CBUC6 of 6 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218027980
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	82.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-6YM48CBUC5 of 5 models qualify · AHRI 218027983	83.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-6YM48CBUC5 of 5 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218027983
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	94.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-XZ9AKUACwith ductless indoor unit CS-XZ9AKUAW9 of 9 models qualify · AHRI 214837752	95.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-XZ9AKUACwith ductless indoor unit CS-XZ9AKUAW9 of 9 models have all five ratings · AHRI 214837752
Non-ducted, 2 tons	90.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-3Z22ABUC4 of 4 models qualify · AHRI 214837935	87.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-4Z24BBUC4 of 4 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216441721
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	73.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-5YM36CBUC3 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 218027981	66.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-5YM36CBUC3 of 3 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218027979
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	68.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-6YM48CBUC1 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 218027984	62.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)CU-6YM48CBUC1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218027982

All-around board, every manufacturer

Newest Panasonic certifications

By AHRI reference number; AHRI issues references in increasing order.

The 5 most recently certified Panasonic outdoor models
Outdoor model	Size · type	COP@5°F	Cap. 5/47	HSPF2	SEER2	Meets	Combos	AHRI ref.
CU-6YM48CBUCPanasonic · CU Series	4 tons46,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)	2.00	99%	10.6	20.8	CEE 25CEE 26Xcel	3	218027984
CU-5YM36CBUCPanasonic · CU Series	3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)	1.95	104%	10.9	20.5	CEE 25CEE 26Xcel	3	218027981
CU-4YM27CBUCPanasonic · CU Series	2.5 tons27,400 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)	1.95	99%	9.8	20.0	CEE 25CEE 26Xcel	3	218027978
CU-3YM18CBUCPanasonic · CU Series	1.5 tons19,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)	2.00	90%	10.0	20.5	CEE 25CEE 26Xcel	3	218027975
CU-YM12CBUCPanasonic · CU Serieswith ductless indoor unit CS-YM12CFUW	1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted	2.51	74%	11.0	24.6	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	4	218027972

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Panasonic includes these brand names as listed in AHRI: PANASONIC. Standards are checked against published thresholds; program rules beyond ratings are not checked.