5 Ton A/C Not Cooling 2500 sqft.

[Latexo General Store]

I had a 5 ton unit new install done to a 2500sqft Country Store & Cafe September 2006, the unit did not cool the store from the beginning, had to use a 23k btu window unit at the same time. Then winter came, so problem was forgotten until now. Have had nothing but problems with this A/C co. Originally they didn't even tie the duct to the register boxes, electrician found this. Anyway, they have installed only 1 20X25 return for the entire system. I am having to run a window unit w/the 8 mo old 5 ton central. I feel that the system requires additional returns to cool properly. Please advise we are desperate to remedy this asap. I am waiting for a call from them to ask exactly what size the return line is. Oh, and the filters left to use by the A/C Co. is 20X25X1.

[sloooo]

The return is standard for a 5 ton unit. If this was a home, it should have no problem maintaining the temperature. Your saying it's a store and cafe which tells me the size of the unit might not be enough to cool your area. You have added heat loads such as kitchen equipment and doors opening and closing all day long, which a home does not have. What is also working against you is that to meet code, you had to install exahust fans in your kitchen, which is removing conditioned air from inside the building. Did an AC company do a load calc to figure out what was required?

[Latexo General Store]

When I employed the A/C co to install, I simply said I need Central A/H installed that will cool and heat this building. They were solely responsible for calculating what type, size, and installation was needed for the store.

[sloooo]

I would call them back and ask for the load calculation of the building. If they designed and installed the unit, they are responsible to look at everything in the building. Maximum occupancy, lighting BTU's, kitchen loads, and exhaust loads. They can't just say since it's 2500 SF that a 5 ton will work. A restaurant and a store have different cooling needs than a home and a good contractor will know that.