Central Air Conditioner SEER2 vs SEER Energy Consumption & Cooling Degree Day (CDD) Benchmark Matrix
Steady-state electrical power draw (Watts at 95°F), annual kilowatt-hour operational demands, and DOE M1 static pressure metrics across 1.5 to 5.0 nominal cooling tons under AHRI 210/240.
1. Abstract & Dataset Scope
Provides empirical energy consumption and electrical demand profiles across 1.5-ton to 5.0-ton residential central air conditioning split systems. Resolves static pressure deratings between legacy SEER (0.10–0.20 in. w.g.) and modern SEER2 (0.50 in. w.g. under DOE Appendix M1).
2. Experimental & Simulation Methodology
Calculated using DOE 10 CFR Part 430 Appendix M1 testing standards, accounting for blower fan watt penalties at 0.50 inches water column static pressure.
3. Data Dictionary & Variable Definitions
| Variable Name | Symbol | Unit | Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Cooling Tonnage | Tons | Tons (12,000 BTU/hr) | Float | Nominal cooling capacity rating | 3 |
| SEER2 Rating | SEER2 | BTU/Wh | Float | Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 per DOE M1 standard | 15.2 |
| Electrical Power Draw at 95°F | P_draw_95 | Watts (W) | Integer | Steady-state power draw at 95°F ambient outdoor temperature | 2580 |
| Annual Energy Consumption (1000 CDD) | E_annual | kWh/Year | Integer | Estimated yearly cooling kilowatt-hours for standard cooling zone | 2180 |
| Annual Operating Cost ($0.18/kWh) | Cost_annual | $/Year | Float | Estimated yearly electricity operating cost | 392.4 |
4. Sample Data Records Preview
Displaying 6 representative rows (Full dataset contains 26 Records)| tonnage | btu hr | seer | seer2 | watts 95f | annual kwh | annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 18000 | 14 | 13.4 | 1380 | 1240 | $223.20 |
| 2 | 24000 | 14.5 | 13.8 | 1790 | 1610 | $289.80 |
| 2.5 | 30000 | 15 | 14.3 | 2180 | 1960 | $352.80 |
| 3 | 36000 | 16 | 15.2 | 2480 | 2230 | $401.40 |
| 4 | 48000 | 16 | 15.2 | 3310 | 2980 | $536.40 |
| 5 | 60000 | 16.5 | 15.7 | 4020 | 3620 | $651.60 |
5. Dataset Citation (BibTeX / APA / IEEE)
When referencing this dataset in academic preprints, technical reports, or computational tooling, please cite using the standard DataCite DOI reference below:
APA Style
IEEE Style
BibTeX Record
@dataset{powerlab_2026_seer2_dataset,
author = {{PowerLab Clean Energy Engineering Group}},
title = {Central Air Conditioner SEER2 vs SEER Energy Consumption & Cooling Degree Day (CDD) Benchmark Matrix},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Figshare},
version = {1.0.0},
doi = {10.6084/m9.figshare.33678514},
url = {https://www.powelab.org/datasets/central-air-conditioner-seer2-cooling-degree-day-benchmark}
}