When Thermal Comfort Becomes a Business Asset
In a competitive industry like hospitality, every detail matters. In Longueuil, a small independent café discovered that a simple environmental change could radically transform its revenue. This transformation wasn’t accidental—it was the result of a custom HVAC installation, designed and carried out by our team at AirGreen. This is the true story of a project where air conditioning became a real driver of business growth.
An Overheated Space, Customers Walking Out, and Sales in Decline
Located on a busy street in Longueuil, this neighborhood café saw a steady drop in foot traffic each summer. Despite an appealing menu and a cozy atmosphere, customers often complained about the stifling heat indoors. The owner, Stéphane, had already invested in two cheap portable air conditioners, with little to no success.
“The machines were noisy, took up space, and couldn’t cool the area, especially in the afternoons. We were clearly losing customers because of it,” he recalls. The need for a durable, quiet, and efficient HVAC solution became obvious.
On-Site Thermal Diagnosis and Assessment
AirGreen was called in to assess the situation. Our technician conducted a comprehensive thermal analysis of the space: building orientation, volume to be cooled, estimated heat load, existing insulation. The result: the café required a system capable of handling 18,000 BTU, with even air distribution, minimal noise, and low energy consumption.
Selected Solution: Fujitsu KMTB 18,000 BTU Wall-Mounted Heat Pump
After evaluating the needs, our team recommended installing a Fujitsu KMTB 18,000 BTU wall-mounted heat pump, a model known for its energy efficiency, quiet operation, and ability to maintain a stable temperature—even during heatwaves.
Advantages of the Installed Model
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A++ energy rating, ideal for extended commercial use
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Ultra-quiet mode, crucial for a café ambiance
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Weekly programmable schedule to optimize runtime
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Eligible for grants from Transition Énergétique Québec, lowering initial investment costs
Installation Timeline: A Fast, Clean, and Discreet Project
The installation was scheduled on a Monday morning, the café’s usual closing day. Within four hours, our team:
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Mounted the indoor unit in the service area for optimal airflow
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Placed the outdoor unit at the back of the building, on a soundproof wall bracket, away from the patio
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Routed the refrigerant lines through a duct painted to match the wall
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Performed a full system startup with performance checks and a quick training session for staff on usage and maintenance
Results Observed in the First Week
Stéphane didn’t have to wait long to see the benefits. “We noticed the difference by Tuesday. Customers were staying longer, especially in the afternoons. We even got positive comments about the overall vibe.”
Increased Revenue and Better Customer Retention
By comparing POS data from the weeks prior, the café recorded an 18% increase in foot traffic during the first month following the installation. Customers felt more comfortable staying inside, which increased the average spend per visit.
Accelerated Return on Investment
Between energy savings from the heat pump, government subsidies, and the rise in foot traffic, the return on investment is expected in under 8 months, according to the owner’s estimates.
A Winning HVAC Strategy for Local Businesses
This project embodies AirGreen’s approach: start with a concrete problem (discomfort, declining revenue, inadequate equipment) and deliver a tailored solution that’s efficient and seamlessly integrated without disrupting business operations.
Whether it’s for:
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A restaurant
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A local grocery store
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A hair salon
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Or a neighborhood office
our HVAC experts support each client in Longueuil, Montréal, Laval, the North Shore, and the South Shore in finding the solution that maximizes both comfort and business performance.
Conclusion: A Standout Project for Comfort… and Profitability
By equipping this Longueuil café with a professional air conditioning system adapted to its space, AirGreen not only improved customer comfort, but also helped stimulate the location’s economic activity. Proof that thermal comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s a real growth driver when approached with smart design.