Benchmark Matrix: Empirical Central Air Conditioner SEER2 vs SEER Energy Consumption, Compressor Tonnage (1.5 to 5.0 Ton), and Regional Cooling Degree Day (CDD) Kilowatt-Hour Demands

<p dir="ltr">This benchmark dataset provides empirical thermal efficiency, steady-state electrical power draws, and annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) operational demands across 26 residential central air conditioning system profiles spanning 1.5 to 5.0 nominal cooling tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/hr).</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr">The matrix benchmarks performance across historical and modern energy efficiency standards, resolving the 2023 DOE Appendix M1 transition from legacy SEER (tested at 0.10-0.20 in. w.g. external static pressure) to modern SEER2 and EER2 metrics (tested at 0.50 in. w.g. static pressure).</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr">Tabular Data Schema (26 Profiles):</p><p dir="ltr">1. system_id: Unique configuration identifier.</p><p dir="ltr">2. system_type: Central Air Conditioner (split-system / unitary).</p><p dir="ltr">3. nominal_cooling_tons: Rated capacity (1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0 tons).</p><p dir="ltr">4. capacity_btu_per_hr: Gross cooling output (12,000 BTU/hr per ton).</p><p dir="ltr">5. rated_seer: Legacy Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER 10 to SEER 23).</p><p dir="ltr">6. rated_seer2: DOE Appendix M1 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2 9.5 to 22.0).</p><p dir="ltr">7. rated_eer2_at_95f: Steady-state Energy Efficiency Ratio at peak 95 deg F (35 deg C) outdoor dry-bulb.</p><p dir="ltr">8. compressor_stage_type: Single-Stage, Two-Stage, or Variable-Speed Inverter.</p><p dir="ltr">9. rated_airflow_cfm: Evaporator airflow rate (standard 400 CFM/ton).</p><p dir="ltr">10. electrical_watts_at_95f: Real electric power demand (Watts) under peak outdoor summer temperatures.</p><p dir="ltr">11. hourly_kwh_full_load: Hourly electrical energy consumption at 100% capacity.</p><p dir="ltr">12. annual_cooling_hours_moderate: Typical northern/moderate climate runtime (1,200 compressor hours/yr).</p><p dir="ltr">13. annual_kwh_moderate: Annual cooling kilowatt-hours in moderate climate zones.</p><p dir="ltr">14. annual_cost_usd_at_16c_moderate: Annual operating expense at national average tariff ($0.16/kWh).</p><p dir="ltr">15. annual_cooling_hours_hot_south: Cooling-dominated southern climate runtime (2,100 compressor hours/yr).</p><p dir="ltr">16. annual_kwh_hot_south: Annual cooling kilowatt-hours in hot/humid climate zones.</p><p dir="ltr">17. annual_cost_usd_at_16c_hot_south: Annual operating cost in southern cooling zones.</p><p dir="ltr">18. carbon_emissions_lbs_moderate: Annual CO2 equivalent emissions at US grid average (0.85 lbs CO2/kWh).</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr">Governing Standards Cited:</p><p dir="ltr">* AHRI Standard 210/240-2023 (Performance Rating of Unitary Air-Conditioning & Air-Source Heat Pump Equipment)</p><p dir="ltr">* U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 10 CFR Part 430 Appendix M1</p><p dir="ltr">* ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (Energy Standard for Buildings)</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr">All interactive cooling cost algorithms, customizable SEER2 comparison models, and deterministic engines are permanently hosted and reproducible at powelab.org/home-energy/air-conditioner-cost-calculator.</p>