An acoustic challenge in the heart of Montréal: when HVAC performance and absolute silence must coexist
In the demanding world of sound production, every vibration, every breeze, every decibel counts. It was in this context that AirGreen was contacted by a professional recording studio located in Montréal, looking for an ultra-silent wall-mounted air conditioning solution capable of maintaining stable temperatures without compromising recording quality. Here's a look back at a precision HVAC installation that delivered both thermal comfort and total silence.
The situation: an air conditioner becoming a source of noise pollution
The client – a renowned sound engineer – operated his studio out of a converted home, with several rooms serving as recording booths, a mixing room, and a rehearsal space. The previous air conditioning system, a mid-range window unit, produced a constant background noise, perceptible even in the low frequencies and hard to filter during mixing.
His requirements were crystal clear:
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Drastically reduce the unit’s operational noise level;
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Maintain constant temperature across multiple closed rooms;
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Discreet design with wall integration that wouldn't obstruct the workspace;
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Low energy consumption to support near-continuous use;
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Eligibility for available rebates to help offset the investment.
Our solution: FUJITSU KAGURA 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner with advanced silent technology
After a thorough evaluation of the space, materials, and the site’s acoustic sensitivity, we recommended installing the FUJITSU KAGURA 12,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner, one of the few models on the market that offers:
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Silent Inverter technology, with noise levels as low as 19 dB;
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Multi-directional airflow control with precise adjustments;
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Compact, elegant design, easy to integrate into a professional setting;
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High-performance air filtration, essential in a confined and busy space;
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Eligible for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert rebate, which in this case amounted to $1,285.
A custom, millimetric HVAC installation
This project required an extremely precise intervention, both mechanically and acoustically. Every step was designed to generate no disruption—neither immediately nor in the long term.
Key stages of the project:
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Initial acoustic analysis using a digital sound meter to locate sensitive zones;
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Strategic placement of the wall unit, in a soundproofed area, shielded from microphones and monitors;
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Installation using anti-vibration mounts to eliminate any resonance with structural walls;
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Outdoor unit mounted on an acoustically isolated base, set away from windows and the main building;
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Airflow calibration to avoid direct air blowing on instruments or electronic gear;
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Post-installation noise level testing, verified by the client using a professional studio microphone.
Immediate results: thermal comfort and total silence
From the very first hours of use, the client noticed a complete transformation of the work environment:
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No trace of background noise in recordings, even with highly sensitive microphones;
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Stable temperature maintained between 21 and 22°C, even during July heat spikes;
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Continuous, uninterrupted operation, even during long overnight mixing sessions;
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Reduced power consumption, thanks to a compressor that adjusts power based on room activity.
Challenges encountered and AirGreen’s expertise
This project required an exceptionally high level of planning and attention to detail. Here are the main challenges we faced, along with the solutions we implemented:
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Technical space constraints: the only available load-bearing wall was adjacent to an audio capture zone. We used an acoustic wall bracket with built-in insulation.
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Resonance from floating floors: we decoupled the indoor unit from the wall using acoustic silicone joints.
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Incompatible existing ventilation: the old extractor fan was replaced with a quiet mini-HRV unit, synchronized with the air conditioning system.
Why AirGreen is the ideal partner for sensitive environments
At AirGreen, we treat every installation as a full-scale engineering project. When silence is just as important as performance, we tailor our HVAC expertise to deliver exclusive, reliable, and long-lasting solutions.
Our strengths:
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Mastery of acoustic challenges related to HVAC systems;
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A team trained for complex professional environments (studios, offices, clinics);
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High-end equipment selected for silence and reliability;
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Support through all rebate application processes (LogisVert, Rénoclimat, etc.).
Tips for recording studios or creative spaces
If you work in an environment where noise is the enemy, here are a few key recommendations:
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Never use portable or window AC units: they generate unrecoverable background noise;
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Opt for Inverter wall-mounted units, with noise levels under 21 dB;
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Integrate your HVAC system into your overall acoustic treatment (foam, panels, bass traps);
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Place the outdoor unit far from mics and shared walls;
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Choose a specialized installer who can adapt the system to acoustic constraints.
Conclusion: a flawlessly executed HVAC project... in total silence
This project in a Montréal recording studio reflects the standard we hold ourselves to at AirGreen. Silence, efficiency, precision, and durability are the pillars of our approach for sensitive environments.
Do you manage a studio, creative space, or office where silence is golden? Contact AirGreen for an HVAC solution perfectly tailored to your professional needs.