Summer, with its high temperatures, can be a challenging time to maintain a cool and comfortable environment inside your restaurant, especially if you have an open terrace. Customers are looking for a comfortable environment, and to ensure their satisfaction, it’s crucial to choose an effective solution to maintain the coolness inside while maximizing energy efficiency. In this article, we will provide practical and detailed advice on installing an air conditioning system, an appropriate ventilation setup, as well as HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) options to maintain the ideal temperature, both for your customers and employees.
The challenges of air conditioning in a restaurant with an open terrace
When you manage a restaurant with an open terrace, several challenges must be addressed to maintain a pleasant indoor environment. On the one hand, the exposure to the outside makes your space more vulnerable to heat and temperature fluctuations. On the other hand, the airflow between the inside and outside can cause the cool air to dissipate quickly, thus affecting the effectiveness of air conditioning.
The main difficulties include:
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Increased heat load due to exposure to sunlight and heat generated by kitchen equipment.
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Controlling humidity, which can be harder to regulate when there is constant transition between the inside and outside.
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The effectiveness of air conditioning systems, which may struggle to maintain a stable temperature in a space of varying sizes.
The ideal solution: A wall-mounted heat pump for optimal comfort
One of the best solutions for keeping your restaurant cool is installing a wall-mounted heat pump, a highly efficient type of air conditioner. Heat pumps are known for their ability to maintain a steady temperature while being energy efficient, which is crucial for a business like a restaurant, where energy savings can make a big difference in operating costs.
What is a wall-mounted heat pump?
A wall-mounted heat pump is an HVAC system consisting of two units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is installed on a wall in the establishment and functions both as an air conditioner and a heating system. This type of device offers great flexibility in temperature control, using reversible technology that allows it to be used both in winter and summer.
The benefits of a wall-mounted heat pump for a restaurant
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Energy efficiency: Heat pumps use heat transfer technology to cool or heat the air more efficiently than traditional air conditioners, reducing energy consumption.
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Personalized comfort: Thanks to precise temperature control, each area of your restaurant can be maintained at an ideal temperature.
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Quiet operation: Modern heat pump models are designed to operate quietly, which is crucial in a restaurant setting where noise can be disruptive.
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Grant eligibility: Some heat pumps offer financing or subsidy opportunities, such as the LogisVert grants from Hydro-Québec, which can reduce your installation costs.
Installing a wall-mounted heat pump in a restaurant in Montreal
At AirGreen, we have installed numerous wall-mounted heat pumps in restaurants across Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and the North and South Shores. Each installation is unique and tailored to the specific needs of the establishment, taking into account the size of the space, the orientation of the terrace, and the cooling requirements.
Installation example: Restaurant in Laval
One of our clients in Laval opted for a Fujitsu KZAH R-32 wall-mounted heat pump with a capacity of 24,000 BTU for their restaurant with a terrace. The goal was to maintain a pleasant temperature while optimizing energy efficiency. The installation included:
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An indoor unit discreetly mounted on a wall, providing effective cooling throughout the room.
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An outdoor unit installed at the back of the restaurant to minimize aesthetic and noise impact.
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A remote control system to adjust the temperature based on needs while ensuring energy savings during off-peak hours.
Challenges faced:
The main challenge was maintaining the temperature at an optimal level despite the heat generated by the kitchen and the direct sunlight exposure in the afternoon. By adjusting the heat pump’s capacity based on demand and using a complementary ventilation system, we managed to ensure constant comfort inside the restaurant.
Other options for maintaining coolness: Ventilation and insulation
In addition to installing a wall-mounted heat pump, effective ventilation and quality insulation are essential for maintaining a pleasant temperature in a restaurant with an open terrace. Here are a few additional solutions:
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Mechanical ventilation (MV): An adapted ventilation system helps remove hot, humid air while introducing fresh air, improving the overall efficiency of the air conditioning system.
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Insulation of walls and windows: Ensuring optimal thermal insulation, especially around windows and exterior walls, helps limit heat loss during the hottest days.
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Outdoor blinds or curtains: Installing solar protections to reduce the direct impact of sunlight on windows and exterior walls, which helps maintain a more stable temperature inside.
Why choose AirGreen for your air conditioning installation in a restaurant?
At AirGreen, we have the expertise to install HVAC systems tailored to the specific needs of restaurants in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. Our installations are performed by qualified professionals who ensure optimal integration of each piece of equipment in your space.
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Local expertise: We understand the specific needs of the region in terms of air conditioning, especially for restaurants with open terraces.
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Custom solutions: We offer a tailored solution that takes into account the layout of your restaurant, the size of your terrace, and your budget.
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Maintenance and service: We offer maintenance services to ensure that your equipment stays in perfect working condition all year round.
Conclusion
Maintaining coolness in a restaurant with an open terrace during the summer months is not an easy task, but with a wall-mounted heat pump, effective ventilation, and good insulation, you can provide your customers with a comfortable environment while reducing your energy costs. If you are looking to install air conditioning or ventilation systems suitable for your restaurant, contact us at AirGreen. We will be happy to advise you and carry out the ideal installation for your establishment.