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      1.5-ton central heat pump · CU Series

      Panasonic CU-M18BAHU

      Very good cooling efficiency and average heating efficiency for a 1.5-ton central heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

      Ranks #52 of 170 1.5 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $515 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      18.8 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Very good · beats 81%
      HSPF2
      9.1 Heating efficiency over a season
      Average · beats 60%
      EER2
      11.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Below average · beats 23%
      Heat at 5°F
      11,200 BTU/h62% of its 47°F output
      Below average · beats 39%

      A good fit if…

      • You want low cooling bills - its SEER2 beats 81% of central heat pumps.
      • You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

      Think twice if…

      • You often see nights below 0°F - it is not cold-climate certified.

      Calculate my running cost

      Details

      Specifications1.5 ton, R-454B
      General
      BrandPanasonic
      Also sold asBlueridge, ZERO, ComfortStar, Mitsutomo, SLIMAIR, Kaden, Star Air Kontrol, NG Trade
      Outdoor unit modelCU-M18BAHU
      SeriesCU Series
      TypeCentral heat pump
      Nominal size1.5 ton
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-454B
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceNovember 30, 2024
      Last certifiedNovember 24, 2025
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better18.8 (range 18.8)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.0
      Cooling capacity18,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.1
      Capacity at 47°F18,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F12,600 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F11,200 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.00
      ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
      Heating output as it gets colder62% kept at 5°F

      Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with CS-HM18BAHU at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

      Certified matchups1 indoor units

      The same outdoor unit scores differently with each indoor unit. Ask your installer for the AHRI reference number of the exact system you are quoted.

      Indoor unitSEER2EER2HSPF2Heat @5°FAHRI ref.
      CS-HM18BAHU18.811.09.111,200216505864
      Same unit, other model numbers9

      These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Panasonic CU-M18BAHU: the same equipment under another brand, or a variant code for voltage, colour or market. Everything on this page applies to them.

      Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$450-$1,241

      At each state's average electricity price and the city's typical heating and cooling hours.

      Questions6
      What is the SEER2 rating of the Panasonic CU-M18BAHU?
      The Panasonic CU-M18BAHU is rated at up to 18.8 SEER2 and 11.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.1 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
      Is the Panasonic CU-M18BAHU good for cold climates?
      It is not cold-climate certified: none of its matchups meet the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria (a COP of at least 1.75 at 5°F among other limits). In places with frequent sub-zero nights, pick a cold-climate 1.5-ton model.
      How much does the Panasonic CU-M18BAHU cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $450-$1,241 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $560 in Phoenix and $1,040 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Is the Panasonic CU-M18BAHU the same as the Blueridge BNG2A18SCN?
      Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists 10 model numbers with identical efficiency, capacity and matchups, which means the same outdoor unit sold under a different brand or with a minor variant code (voltage, colour or region). The full list is on this page.
      Which indoor units work with the Panasonic CU-M18BAHU?
      ENERGY STAR lists 1 certified combination for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses CS-HM18BAHU.
      What refrigerant does the Panasonic CU-M18BAHU use?
      It uses R-454B.

      Running cost and savings

      Pre-filled with this model. Pick your city and what you heat with today; everything else is optional.

      Heat pump $559/yrYou save $370/yrSee details ↓
      1. Where you live
      Adjust heating and cooling hours

      Filled in from your city's climate. Change them if you run the system much more or less than usual.

      2. The heat pump Panasonic CU-M18BAHU
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $559
      Current system, per year
      $928
      You save per year
      $370
      Payback
      18.9 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$3,304

      Cooling $337Heating $222Electricity used: 3,491 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $153

      Estimates use the unit's rated SEER2 and HSPF2, full-load hours derived from NOAA 1991-2020 degree days, average residential electricity prices from the U.S. EIA (12 months to July 2026) and fuel prices from EIA (2025 for natural gas, week of 2026-10-05 for propane and heating oil). Very cold days that need backup heat are not modelled. Federal minimum for comparison: 14.3 SEER2 / 7.5 HSPF2.

      Similar 1.5 ton models

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      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of November 24, 2025. How we use the data.