HVAC Rated

9,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · CS-E9RKUAW / CU-E9RKUA

Panasonic CU-E9RKUA

Average cooling and heating efficiency for a 9,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

Ranks #225 of 395 9,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $270 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
23.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
Average · beats 62%
HSPF2
10.3 Heating efficiency over a season
Average · beats 55%
EER2
13.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Average · beats 62%
Heat at 5°F
- Not reported by the maker

A good fit if…

  • 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.
  • You want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications9,000 BTU, R-410A
General
BrandPanasonic
Outdoor unit modelCU-E9RKUA
SeriesCS-E9RKUAW / CU-E9RKUA
TypeMini-split heat pump
Nominal size9,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-410A
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceFebruary 1, 2014
Last certifiedOctober 5, 2023
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better23.0 (range 23.0)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors13.0
Cooling capacity9,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better10.3
Capacity at 47°F12,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F- BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F-
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater-
ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
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.
CU-E9RKUA23.013.010.3-7958198
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$187-$689

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

Questions5
What is the SEER2 rating of the Panasonic CU-E9RKUA?
The Panasonic CU-E9RKUA is rated at up to 23.0 SEER2 and 13.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.3 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
Is the Panasonic CU-E9RKUA 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 9,000 BTU model.
How much does the Panasonic CU-E9RKUA cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $187-$689 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $257 in Phoenix and $596 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Which indoor units work with the Panasonic CU-E9RKUA?
ENERGY STAR lists 1 certified combination for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses CU-E9RKUA.
What refrigerant does the Panasonic CU-E9RKUA use?
It uses R-410A. R-410A is being phased down under the EPA AIM Act, and new systems are moving to R-454B and R-32.

Running cost and savings

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

Heat pump $268/yrYou save $245/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-E9RKUA
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$268
Current system, per year
$513
You save per year
$245
Payback
14.3 years
Net after 10 years
-$1,051

Cooling $138Heating $130Electricity used: 1,676 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $133

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.

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Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of October 5, 2023. How we use the data.