Thermal Comfort in Conference Rooms: A Commercial Challenge at the Heart of Montréal
At AirGreen, we’re often called upon to work in commercial buildings that host events, conventions, and large-scale professional gatherings. Conference rooms located in Montréal, especially in areas like Ville-Marie, Plateau-Mont-Royal, or Griffintown, face a complex challenge: maintaining stable and comfortable indoor temperatures, despite constantly changing attendance levels and heat-generating electronic equipment.
When a space is designed for 20 people but sometimes hosts 100 during peak events, traditional HVAC systems quickly reach their limits. In this article, we share the experience of one of our projects in a downtown conference room, along with best practices to ensure comfort, energy efficiency, and consistent performance.
The Challenge: Too Many Visitors, Not Enough Thermal Regulation
One of our clients, owner of a commercial building on Sherbrooke Street West, contacted us after repeated complaints of thermal discomfort. His 120 m² conference room was frequently used for occasional events, internal trainings, and client meetings. During some activities, temperatures rose above 27 °C, even in winter.
Initial Findings
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The existing wall-mounted air conditioner (older non-Inverter model) couldn’t quickly adjust its output
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The ventilation system lacked the capacity to refresh the air efficiently
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There was no smart zoning, meaning the entire floor had to be cooled—even when only the conference room was in use
Bottom line: the existing setup was neither suited to actual usage, nor capable of handling the variable thermal loads caused by fluctuating occupancy.
AirGreen’s Intervention: Toward Intelligent and Efficient Regulation
Technology Choice: FUJITSU KZAH R-32 Wall-Mounted Heat Pump
We recommended installing a 24,000 BTU FUJITSU KZAH R-32 wall-mounted heat pump, specifically designed for commercial environments with fluctuating occupancy.
Key Advantages:
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Advanced Inverter technology, enabling precise adjustment based on the thermal load
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Smart presence and temperature sensors for control
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Turbo mode to handle sudden spikes in attendance
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Uses R-32 refrigerant, more eco-friendly and efficient in low temperatures
Additional Improvements
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Added a localized zoning system, allowing independent control of the conference room
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Integrated into a centralized BMS (Building Management System)
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Complete ventilation system upgrade, with increased airflow in the target area
Results Observed After Installation
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Immediate drop in room temperature by 3 to 5 °C during high-attendance events
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22% reduction in energy consumption, thanks to intelligent power modulation
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Increased satisfaction from clients and employees, based on feedback gathered by our client
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Confirmed eligibility for the Hydro-Québec LogisVert rebate, reducing the total installation cost
Our Recommendations for Building Owners in Montréal
1. Match the HVAC System to Actual Zone Usage
A conference room used irregularly shouldn’t be treated like a standard office. It’s essential to implement a system that can respond in real-time to occupancy levels.
2. Choose Equipment with Inverter Technology
Wall-mounted air conditioners or Inverter heat pumps adapt much better to sudden attendance spikes while keeping energy use in check.
3. Integrate Smart Sensors and Automation
A modern commercial HVAC system should communicate with CO₂, temperature, and motion sensors to automate regulation and optimize system cycles.
4. Work with Commercial HVAC Experts
At AirGreen, we evaluate each space individually, considering usage patterns, building envelope, and current ventilation codes in Montréal.
5. Take Advantage of Local Rebates
Many heat pump installations and high-efficiency systems are eligible for financial incentives, especially through Hydro-Québec, CEE, or the LogisVert program. We help our clients prepare the applications and calculate potential savings.
AirGreen: Your HVAC Partner for High-Occupancy Commercial Spaces
We’ve been working for years in all types of buildings: conference rooms, coworking spaces, hotels, training centers, and shared offices. Our strength lies in:
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Expertise in wall-mounted, central heat pumps, and commercial ventilation systems
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Ability to deliver tailored solutions based on actual usage
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Active presence on the ground in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore
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Thorough post-installation support, including maintenance, remote control, and seasonal adjustments