Have you ever been in an office space well-ventilated with A/C yet felt uncomfortable and suffocated? 

We know what you might/might not have gone through. In occupying a workspace especially office spaces, occupancy is a left-out factor to many building/property managers and tenants as well. As a tenant, you want to get the best possible value out of the rent you’re paying but comfortability is non-negotiable. 

Discomfort can result in asphyxiation depending on how critical the situation is or the health conditions of the occupants. The human body similar to anybody loses heat while it cools. In an enclosed space with ventilation or A/C system which is outweighed by the occupants in it, the system is overworked. 

What is occupancy? 

A workspace/environment is more than just an open space. It’s occupancy. Occupancy is a purpose for which a building or space within a building is used including the number of people allowed to occupy it.

It’s a key factor in safety, design, and regulatory compliance requirements to ensure the building meets certain standards (fire safety, structural, and accessibility). 

In facility management, the comfort and well-being of occupants play a key role in delivering high-quality service. One often overlooked factor is how air conditioning (A/C) capacity influences occupancy numbers.

By aligning occupancy with the building’s cooling capabilities, you not only ensure comfort but also optimize energy efficiency. 

Below is our step-by-step guide to getting you one step closer to that comfort. 

1. Understand Your A/C Capacity 

The starting point is the A/C system’s capacity, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). This figure is critical because it tells you how much cooling your system can provide. For example, a 5-ton system typically offers around 60,000 BTUs. 

2. Know the Cooling Load per Person 

On average, each occupant generates a cooling load of about 400 to 600 BTUs per hour. This varies depending on activity levels and other environmental factors, but it’s a reliable benchmark. 

3. Consider Additional Heat Sources 

Don’t forget to factor in other contributors to the heat load, such as computers, lighting, and heat gain from windows. For instance, equipment in a modern office can significantly increase the required cooling. 

Before occupying the space, an estimate is to be established for proper and comfortable tenure for the tenant in the workspace.

4. Calculate the Maximum Occupancy 

Once you have the total A/C capacity and account for the heat from people and equipment, you can determine the optimal occupancy level. The estimation of occupancy is given by; 

5. Apply a Safety Factor 

To maintain comfort under varying conditions, it’s smart to apply a safety factor of 10-20%. This ensures that your cooling system can handle fluctuations in load. 

Why It Matters 

Properly managing occupancy based on your A/C’s capacity not only enhances comfort but also drives energy efficiency. This approach helps avoid overloading systems and keeps energy costs in check while improving occupant satisfaction. 

In facility management, details matter. Making small adjustments in how you balance occupancy and cooling can lead to big results in terms of both operational efficiency and client satisfaction. 

Efficiency is doing better than what is already being done. – Peter Drucker 

We are not reinventing the wheel but doing what you already do more efficiently.  

Are ready to take your facility management to the next level? Reach out today for tailored solutions that optimize your building’s performance.