A Tailor-Made Commercial Air Conditioning Solution for an Extreme Summer in Montréal
When a heatwave hits Montréal, indoor temperatures in commercial establishments can skyrocket, threatening not only customer comfort but also staff performance. That’s exactly what happened to a well-known restaurant in Plateau-Mont-Royal, right in the middle of a brutal summer heatwave. Luckily, AirGreen stepped in quickly with a custom HVAC solution, ensuring the restaurant could run a full dinner service with no interruptions.
Context: An Overheated Kitchen and an Unbearable Dining Room
In July, with outdoor temperatures reaching 36 °C with humidity, the restaurant’s air conditioning system failed, leaving both the kitchen and dining area in stifling heat. The owner called us urgently, concerned about customer satisfaction and the safety of staff, especially the cooks who were constantly exposed to heat.
We immediately dispatched a specialized commercial air conditioning team to assess the situation onsite. Our diagnosis revealed an outdated, undersized, and energy-draining central air system that couldn’t handle the extreme temperature spikes.
A Fast Response: Diagnosis, Planning, and Express Installation
By the next morning, our team proposed a turnkey solution tailored to the restaurant’s size, layout, and energy demands. We chose to install a Daikin SkyAir RZQ central air conditioning system – a model known for its energy efficiency, commercial-grade reliability, and its ability to maintain stable temperatures even during extreme conditions.
Technical Details of the Installed System:
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Brand: Daikin
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Model: SkyAir RZQG125L9V1B (outdoor) + FHQ125CVEA (indoor)
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Type: Central variable refrigerant volume system (VRV) designed for commercial applications
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Capacity: 48,000 BTU
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Energy Efficiency: SEER 18 / HSPF 10
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Refrigerant: R-410A
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Control: Smart wall thermostat with zone temperature sensors
Key Benefits of This Model for Restaurant Owners:
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Rapid, even cooling, including in closed kitchen areas
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Low noise levels to preserve the dining room ambiance
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Compatible with existing ventilation systems
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Eligible for certain commercial energy-efficiency grants in Montréal
Challenges Faced: Tight Spaces, Ventilation Constraints, and a Rushed Timeline
One of the major challenges of this project was the very limited technical space in the restaurant’s basement, which was already packed with kitchen equipment. On top of that, the installation had to meet strict access and noise constraints and couldn’t interfere with the dinner service.
We therefore scheduled a night-time intervention with a crew of three certified technicians, all experienced in complex commercial installations. Mounting the outdoor unit on the rooftop required a mechanical hoist – quiet and secure – to comply with Plateau-Mont-Royal’s neighborhood regulations.
A Flawless Installation and a Cool Dining Room for the Next Day’s Service
In under 18 hours, the entire system was installed, connected, tested, and fully operational. The next day, the restaurant reopened with a cool, pleasant environment, holding a steady 22 °C throughout, even in the kitchen.
The owner immediately noticed a significant improvement in thermal comfort, a reduction in ventilation noise, and anticipated a drop in monthly energy costs thanks to Daikin’s Inverter technology.
“The AirGreen team was incredible. They worked overnight so we could run service the next day. Since the installation, we’ve felt a real difference in comfort and in our energy bills.” – Restaurant Owner
Why Montréal Restaurateurs Choose AirGreen
At AirGreen, we understand that climate comfort is essential to the success of a commercial establishment. That’s why we deliver tailored HVAC solutions, considering each building’s constraints, the owner’s needs, and the realities of the local market.
We stand out thanks to:
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Our responsiveness, especially crucial during peak season breakdowns
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Our expertise in advanced commercial systems (VRV, multi-zone, ducted)
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Our deep knowledge of grant programs and energy efficiency
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Our on-the-ground know-how, with hundreds of installations across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore
Practical Advice for Businesses and Restaurants
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Installing a residential system in a commercial space, leading to quick underperformance
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Skipping HVAC maintenance, which can reduce efficiency by 20 to 30% every summer
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Undersizing the unit, a common mistake in poorly ventilated kitchens
Our Recommendations:
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Always start with an on-site thermal assessment, even for simple upgrades
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Choose models compatible with mechanical ventilation, essential in commercial kitchens
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Prepare grant applications in advance to lower investment costs
Conclusion: A Job Done Right with Skill and Precision
This project in a restaurant in Plateau-Mont-Royal is a perfect example of our ability to react fast, provide effective solutions, and carry out complex installations on tight deadlines. Thanks to our commercial air conditioning expertise, we were able to ensure customer comfort, staff safety, and operational profitability for the business.
For any commercial project – whether it’s a bar, a convenience store, or a high-volume restaurant – AirGreen is your trusted HVAC partner in Montréal and surrounding areas.