SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Proctor Engineering Group (PEG), sponsored by the California Energy Commission (CEC), will participate in a research project designed to reduce the energy consumption of central air conditioning systems. The project will focus on the development of residential (split) and light commercial (package) air conditioning systems that have improved energy efficiency in hot, dry climates where temperatures can exceed 115 degrees F. The design goals for the project are to reduce electrical demand and annual energy consumption by up to 25 percent for each type of system, with only a limited cost increase when compared to standard systems.

Energy consumption in California is strongly driven by air conditioning usage, especially during the peak summer period. Coincidentally, the highest population growth rates in the state are occurring in areas with the hottest, driest environments.

Publication date: 02/07/2005