I put a 521 hard start on my 20+-year-old 3-ton A/C unit, and the starting amps dropped from 41.9 to 26.7, a 35% decrease. My 8750 inverter generator easily starts it. After running for a few minutes, I gradually flip on the rest of the breakers so the refrigerators and freezers don't all start at the same time. We often have a week or two each storm season where the power is off. We get power after all the businesses and rich people's homes get reconnected. Welcome to Floridaaa.
Just installed 2 micro air units on my 4 ton ac units. Had to call customer service and they resolved the issue pretty quickly. Went from 129 to 30 amps on my downstairs and similar to up. Very nice and definitely like the Diagnostic app as well. My 5500 generator will run these no issue now.
@@danray9744thats running watts. Every generator has 2 numbers. One is starting wattage and the second is running wattage. So a gen w/ 5500w running has a starting wattage of something like 7500w. Which is why it works.
I installed the Micro-Air EasyStart on my 2.5 ton heat pump back in August 2021 and been very happy with it. Living in a subtropical zone and dealing with frequent summer storms tripping out the grid extension cord. I have generator power and no A/C for several hours can make things uncomfortable really quickly. The $400 price tag is abet steep, but the ability to run my 800 ft² home in "normal" mode including a 30 gallon electric water heater on a 9,500 Wp inverter generator in economy mode and not skipping a beat when the compressor kicks on is a godsend. The onboard diagnostics and compressor protection has saved me at least two $125 service truck roll calls plus parts. Having the EasyStart unit intervene in a fault event is way better than having the thermal overload tripping out. I've ran into one by the time someone realize what is happening the compressor housing was hot enough to fry an egg on it. As for the ICM870, I think it is a great budget friendly version for those who don't want the geeky bells and whistles. According to their specs, using the 16 amp version might be pushing the limits on a 4.5 ton OSU. Can't wait for them to release the 32 amp version soon enough since my neighbor wants one installed, but not $400 interested. If my memory serves me correctly the LRA is around 100+ amps definitely stall out a 20 kW natural gas generator and maybe not so much on a diesel version. The power head might not like it, but it'll muscle through it. Pricey investment as it may, but in the long term when your HVAC is at the end of its service life. The soft start unit is still good to transfer to the new replacement unit if it doesn't already have one already. Even the basic one has enough smarts to relearn to the operating characteristics of the new compressor.
I just installed one yesterday. Even without thinking about a generator this will help your outside unit with amperage draw. Highly recommend. I paid $370!for the one installed. Total cost was $800 for the job. Definitely worth it in the long run.
And how will it help? It doesn't reduce power consumption, it costs more than the window unit....By a lot, So what is the problem with a half second inrush current?
@0:33: A hard-start kit doesn't give an extra boost of current. It's a capacitor. Capacitors in AC circuits are buffers; they don't store and release jolts as in DC circuits. A hard-start kit uses a capacitor installed in parallel to phase-shift some of the current for a power-correction. This reduces inductive reactance and improves efficiency, thereby REDUCING in-rush current, not increasing it.
The ICM870 9amp is perfect for RV’s, the ICM870 16 and 32 amp is good for your home AC units. They’re 159 for the 9amp and the 16 and 32 amp is about 179. Half the price and it’s been around in the hvac industry for years. We’ve used them in server rooms with UPS on the server and AC units cooling the servers that will run on battery back up before the generator start up and some just run on ups systems till you can get power back up and running.
Just ordered a micro air soft starter after watching many videos, including your install video. I have solar with battery backup. This will allow me to run the AC while off grid.
@@corbinkappler4631 It's working great! Not much of an update to give because I installed it and it's just doing exactly what it was supposed to do. No issues. I can now run my heat pump air conditioner from just my batteries, no problem. My heat pump has a rated LRA (locked rotor amps) of 107. According to the Micro Air app, I'm now starting it using only 34 amps. Couldn't be happier with it.
Just installed the ICM-860 as the price is about half of the micro-air. Start up amps is 28 on a 4 ton unit. I didn't have meter to measure inrush before installing, but with the cost saving I was able to get a Kaiweets 208D clamp meter and still have money left.
@@linvol20 Yes, I had a hard start unit installed before and it sounded like someone hit the unit with a hammer when it started. The soft start was a much smoother, softer start up.
I installed the hard start kit myself 3-4 years ago and noticed it also helped reduce the running noise of the compressor. I'd also like to replace the hard start kit with easy-start if will help prolong the compressor life. I have a dual AC system and I can see will cost between $800-$1K for the easystart but will save on installing it myself. With his easy-start i can use my backup gen (honda ge EU3000si with transfer switch) to run one of my AC unit in case of a power outage. My solar with Enphase microinverter is capable of providing power (no batt bckup) but requires additional components ($5k-6K) for it to work.
Getting ready to add solar panels with battery backup and my solar installer wants to install a "soft-start" device so I can run my home AC even during a grid outage. Now I know what he's talking about.
Regarding Hard Start Kits, only use those with an external relay and not a resistor only. We have had resistor units not drop out after start as they get weak, and the compressor start windings end up toasted. Relay type are more reliable
The soft Art kits are also excellent for people that have solar systems with battery back up. Many inverters cannot handle the surge current of an air conditioner but with a soft start it is usually no problem and you can run your air conditioner for a few hours without running your batteries down too low during a long-term power outage
I wish A#1 Air had watched your videos . They installed a 18 seer unit 2 years ago. It made a banging noise on start. 3 inside and 2 outside unit later! They put a hard start on it too. They sent a electrician finally . He said my 1963 wiring needed a ground. Wow no more bang! Now it moaning like a old man. I bet it's the hard start that it didn't need!
Power factor correction involves inductive reactance and capacitive reactance..how current changes in its relation to voltage in an inductive circuit. Fritz Rochester has an easy to understand video on TH-cam about Rectorseal Kickstart T05.
Thank you for the information. I put one on my shopping list. I'm not very good with electrical stuff but I may be able to install. I watched your installation, and probably review it before attempting my installation. I used your link so hopefully you'll get credit if it's a few days before I purchase.
You're full of shit 🤣 That's not what a soft-start kit or a start-capacitor does for the compressor. Soft-start reduces the initial amp draw and slowly ramps it up while a start-capacitor with a potential or current relay increases capacitance which increases amps through the start winding on the compressor creating a stronger magnetic field to force the rotor around easier hence a lower starting amp draw compared to just using a run-capacitor. Slow amp draw over a longer time duration or a quick amp draw which dims the lights in the house, either way its still going to use about the same amount of power. None of those things will actually save you on your electric bill 😏
Hard start kits help generators run house hvac units as well. Stored energy blasting the power hungry compressor puts less strain on your generator. The running amps should be the same with both kits, right? That's what I was hoping you'd go over.
With a soft start installed is a 3 to 5 minute compressor start delay still necessary? I have a 4 ton 12+ year old Ruud compressor/condenser R410a system. With a soft start installed at the condenser unit I think the delay built into the thermostat would still be there. My system currently runs the AC blower fan (but not condenser fan) more or less immediately but compressor and condenser fan kick on 3 minutes later. I would like to reduce this delay if it's possible and safe to do so because I'm in the sunbelt south and my ducts are in the attic so during much of the day for those 3 minutes it's mostly blowing around hot humid air. Thanks for your great videos. You are the best on TH-cam for explaining fairly technical AC stuff to non-professionals.
The hard start kit is good for non-VRM compressors with expansion valve systems. The hard start kit will supposedly extend the life of the compressor. Most equipment manufacturers are too cheap to include hard start kit and pressure switches as standard equipment. There’s a good hard start demo with oscilloscope traces on TH-cam. The soft start should be used if you are trying to run your A/C with a generator.
I’d add , even if u don’t plan to battery or generator start, a soft start will just be easier on the pump & circuit over its lifetime. Even adding years of use
I have a Trane Heat Pump from 1988 still working and cooling my home. Gas furnace handles heating. Yes, I know its SEER is like 8.0 but hard to justify $6,000+ to replace it. Want longevity ? Buy a Trane.
My understanding is if your compressor is having issues starting a hard start is what is needed. A soft start will not help. If your compressor is starting without issues a soft start will help it last longer.
You never really said if the soft start unit will work on an older unit that has issues starting when it's 90 degrees out and the thermostat is short cycling. My success came when I found a timer that delays the low voltage by about 10 minutes since last start. It has pretty much eliminated the stalled compressor issue.
My Rheem AC outdoor unit refuses to run on generator unless I bypass the circuit board on the outdoor unit. It’s a three ton, about five years old and the generator is a 22kw whole house unit, which should be more than adequate to run a three ton heat pump system. The outdoor unit will attempt to start and then drop out. I suspect that when it starts, the voltage at the contactor and circuit board are dropping below a threshold which causes the circuit board to drop the contactor. I plan to do more checks to confirm this, including checking the indications of the diagnostic LEDs on the circuit board. Perhaps the soft start kit will be the answer. Thanks for all your great content.
I see below someone else suggested a soft start that was cheaper. I prefer if I buy something, I buy it once and quality. Do you still highly recommend the Micro-Air? Funny the next vid played and it was not yours, but that HV guy said the soft start caused havoc.
Compressors are designed to operate effectively with high locked rotor currents without damage. They do fail from low voltage conditions, however. A hard start 5-2-1 is the best device to assist a compressor. Soft start are expensive and do not save you on the electric bill at all. Install an Intermatic AG3000 surge protector on the condenser disconnect switch. Power surges will kill a compressor, ECM fan motor and the defrost board if its a heat pump. Wash the condenser coil every spring so the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard
The peak inrush amps is misleading because there is no time interval involved, which I assume is a fraction of a second. How does one determine a hard start kit is needed? I can understand a soft start is needed when a generator is involved.
@@inhocsigno9151 Put an amprobe on the start wire to the compressor. If the amperage at start is higher than nameplate LRA, try a 5-2-1 hard start. It will reduce the LRA of that tired compressor.
I just want to clarify that both systems can be used to start the air conditioner compressor with a generator provided that the steady amperage used by the compressor is below the generator output. This applies for both systems. The reason a generator normally does not start the compressor is because of the peak amperage used to start it which lasts less than a second. Both systems avoid pulling a peak amperage from the grid.
So am I understanding correctly that a soft start is the best of both worlds? A hard start will reduce the amp draw, but also a soft start will too, and a soft start could allow you to more easily run your AC off of a generator, so 2 for 1 benefit?
Great video, you should do one on which would be better for semi permanent install Dwyer magnetic or their Water gravity static pressure meters. Very important for high merv filters people with allergies and illness would benefit from.....also, any tips how to better seal bathroom fans flap from wind blowing in
Great video, is there anything preventing me from using one of these soft start kits on my 240v water pump? I need to find a way to bring down my inrush at start up so my inverter stops faulting out.
DIY Guy: When u do the ICM Softstart install video (soon), please include a ' compare and contrast' ICM vs MICROAIR...both devices seem comparable, does either device have extra features that the other doesn't??
@@diyhvacguy edit: just saw your link to the 150$ ICM. Original: Mentioning the cheapest soft start available is probably also a good idea. If you want soft start but don't care about Bluetooth, diagnostics, or anything other than lowering inrush current draw. I've got a 9.5kW/12.5kW peak generator which runs the A/C fine, but if there's product out there that'll reduce the inrush current draw in the 50-150$ range, I would definitely spend that to reduce stress on the Generator and maybe benefit the A/C Compressor at the same time. Don't see more than 150$ of value so 350$+ is definitely not happening.
I've seen plenty of those $400 Soft-Start kits being sold as refurbished units hence they must have a high failure rate seeing how that same company has a ton of them on hand to resell 😈 Cheapest and factory alternative is to add a start-capacitor (hard-start kit) hence the reason the companies that produce the AC units offer this kit in the first place. This also decreases starting amps because the extra capacitance decreases reactance which allows more current flow through the START windings increasing it's field strength which spins the rotor over easier 😊
I bought this Easy Start Micro Air, but not yet install.... Still Working on my Ply-wood Muffler Silencer to Reduce Noise Level to 56-58 at 15 ft. During an Outage
i did the icm on my sisters package unit, its 3 yrs old, being in eastern NC when hurricane's come i had to put a window ac in for her being her generator was only 4000 watts , it would run the well pump , frig and window ac , she could keep her bedroom cool. the icm clearly quiets her unit . i live next door about 100 ft and could hear her unit kick on while i was watching tv. not no more , i cant hear it at all unless im outside.. so i tried out her generator after icm install and it fires her package unit right up , she can watch tv , frig runs etc. did a 24 hr test had no issues,,, need to get her a 13,500 watt like i have but she can now at least cool her place and not live in her bedroom during a storm. but im going to do solar mini split 24 k and then put my generator at her place.. Ice storm ive already put in a 5 brick propane heater for her being she has propane stove,, so heat isn't a issue. like today its 105 pool is 93 .
Thank you for the lesson Mr. DIY HVAC. I wonder what device would work best in an off grid campervan situation in which a battery bank supplies 12V power to an inverter which runs (among other things like lighting, a couple of low amp PC fans and some electronics) a 65 W (inrush at least 400W) compressor cooler and a very small (DIY) mini split type system based on a the heat pump components of a tumble dryer which has a rated power use of about 450 W - inrush probably around 1.2 kW) I have an inverter installed of 1500 W (which can peak deliver around 3000W for a couple of seconds (8-10 or so) If a slow start or hard start helper can be used to help start both the cooler and the micro split (so to speak) that would make a lot of difference in power use and current spikes... Your opinion please...
Once concern I have is how reliable these soft-start units are? Is there any data on expected lifespan or real-world experience that goes beyond a couple years?
Hi Dave, congrats, another great video ! Thx a lot man. Dave, I wanna buy Hard start kit, but I saw somewhere that I must know if my AC unit has Thermostatic Expansion Valve .... Can you guide me about that detail ?
AWEOME videos. Thank you. Quick questions: In an area where the temp is 108 to 120+ in summer, on 2 split units, 3-ton 16-seer each unit, about 14 yrs old system with NO generator used, goodman brand...(FYI, I just installed 2 new capacitors that were bubbled up and were near busting which I installed last year, with 2, 3 wire hard start kit that has a separate relay which you talked about in you other videos). Should I remove those hard start kit I just installed, or keep it, or switch them with Soft Start kit to help with compressor's life and ease the loads on the capacitors? The excessive heat is killing those capacitors, not sure though...
I love the idea that i can run on a 5500 watt gen during a power outage (hurricane central FL)but Does a soft start installation void a warranty on the heat pump or HVAC SYSTEM?
Appreciate the vdos bro. I have a 4 ton unit that starts with my Duramax 12,000. Should I consider putting a soft start on? The unit is 2 yrs old. Thanks again for great vdos.
I have a 20 yr old , a/c , still runs , debating whether to install hard start kit , some TH-camrs say it can be harmful to your compressor? Any additional info would be helpful Thxs
Love the channel. I watch so i can try to fix a few things myself. Question for you. My HAVAC guy recommended a soft start I believe to prolong the life of my compressor. 2003 carrier home ac. Any thoughts? Thank you!
I personally think that if you want to prolong the life of the ac I’d go with a hard start kit. If you need/want to power your ac with a generator, then I say go with the soft start. Just my .02 cents. Cheers
@@diyhvacguy I thought the Hard Start kit was for units exactly like name implies - perhaps older, wearing out /worn ones, that are "hard at starting", and need the extra boost that the hard start capacitor provides. I had a time when my power went out. When it came back on, the compressor started up. Then 20-30 sec later; power out again; a minute later, back on. I thought. "That can't be good for the compressor". So I think a search for "compressor startup delay" let me to the soft start. So I'm looking more for something that can help extend the life of an otherwise in good condition compressor. [If mine was starting to have issues, then the hard start kit might be a way to extend it's life, before even that won't help, and it needs to be replaced.]
Great content... Just had to put a cap on my downstairs unit. It's getting old and its a R22 unit. I haven't checked starting amps but I'm guessing it would be better to install a hard start kit VS the soft start?
Can I get some clarification? From what I understand from your video, on an old unit running on R22 system can benefit from a hard start kit while a newer unit can benefit from a soft start kit. What is the cut off point for considering an old unit? 10,15 years? I have a 12 year unit and plan on getting a generator (for emergencies), would I then need a soft or hard start kit? Thank you for your videos. They have been insightful.
What if my ac already has a hard start kit installed from the manufacturer? Will a soft start work on that unit? I'm trying to reduce peak hour amp consumption in arizona.
I have a new Lennox residential a/c system which starts with a loud bang some of the time. What is this and will either of these products fix that problem! I’m concerned that the compressor is taking a lot of voltage too fast. Am I wrong? Comments welcome.
Yes, a soft start kit will quiet down the unit at startup and when it stops also. You can find the correct product for your system in the video description 👍🏼 cheers
I have 2 American standard platinum 3.5 and 3-ton units; I was thinking of using the Micro air; however, I heard it could mess with these smart variable units. Do you have any recommendations on this? My units are from 2016m, and I don't want to fry one of them to install the soft start. My AC guy didn't really give me a clear answer on this subject. He did say he had customers that installed it on their and caused problems and had to take off, but don't know if it is true or not since he is making money on the install.
...more amps than anything (other than an electric on demand water heater). Mine draws 30,000 watts on startup and ramps down to about 20,000 watts during a shower.
Great video, thanks for the information. I have a 2005 Rheem AC unit with a 2.4 Ton Copeland compressor. At this time it is working fine. I recently replaced the contactor, cables and the capacitor(installed a Amrad 35/10 with CPT) as maintenance. Do you recommend installing (or not) a Hard or Soft Start kit for this setup? Just thinking in the nonsense prices of the new units, I just want to make the actual system to last as long as possible. Thanks!
You keep bringing up “old systems”, I have a new 3/4 year old system, would it still be beneficial to install a hard starter? Would installing one extend its life?… Love your videos 👍🏼❤️
There are many wires that co-connect to the A/C House power. Do you believe that the Soft Start could be installed with a switch for the only wire that is bypassed, so you have the option of Hard Start and Soft Start?
The soft start seems to reduce the amp requirement to start the AC much more than the Hard start. I just got a new Lennox 2 stage AC that starts hard, you can hear it kick on from inside. My older unit on the other side of the house is a 2 stage Trane (has 2 compressors) and that one, you can be next to it and you will hear it start but so smooth and quiet. Can a soft start reduce the hard start of the Lennox AC and extend the life of the compressor? I ask as the unit is a 2 stage compressor, when it was first installed it started in high mode, I asked the installers why it started in high, it was apparent that they did not know, they contacted Lennox and made changes to the thermostat settings, but even so it starts Hard but the compressor starts out at a lower speed.
Subscribed! So. I have a new-ish home. Built in 2019. 2 Carrier AC units. 1.5 ton and 3.0 ton. I have no home generator. Both units work perfect but they start HARD. If I want to extent the life of these units, it sounds like I need to put a soft start on each one of the compressors, no? I'd use a hard start kit once they get up in age (10 years+), correct?
Is it advisable to install the separate relay in the a hard start kit? The built-in canisters have a thermistor as opposed to a relay, which is not very reliable longer term.
Is there a soft start kit that will work with a newer window shaker? I recently bought "cheap" 6Kbtu unit rated 11seer. Yes, it surges when starting, but settles down to around 485 watts full running on high. Reason because I have a decent 1500 watt sinewave inverter that pukes out when I try to start AC.
Scenario: previous owners installed a hard start kit. Can only assume it was to prolong life of an old AC. Would swapping it out for a soft start work?
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I put a 521 hard start on my 20+-year-old 3-ton A/C unit, and the starting amps dropped from 41.9 to 26.7, a 35% decrease. My 8750 inverter generator easily starts it. After running for a few minutes, I gradually flip on the rest of the breakers so the refrigerators and freezers don't all start at the same time. We often have a week or two each storm season where the power is off. We get power after all the businesses and rich people's homes get reconnected. Welcome to Floridaaa.
Just installed 2 micro air units on my 4 ton ac units. Had to call customer service and they resolved the issue pretty quickly. Went from 129 to 30 amps on my downstairs and similar to up. Very nice and definitely like the Diagnostic app as well. My 5500 generator will run these no issue now.
5500w generator is only 22.9 amps @ 240volts
@@danray9744 For running amps, pretty sure he's talking start-up amps
So, which easy start model did you purchased for your 4 ton A/C ??
@@giljunior7494 I believe the large blue 368
@@danray9744thats running watts. Every generator has 2 numbers. One is starting wattage and the second is running wattage. So a gen w/ 5500w running has a starting wattage of something like 7500w. Which is why it works.
I installed the Micro-Air EasyStart on my 2.5 ton heat pump back in August 2021 and been very happy with it. Living in a subtropical zone and dealing with frequent summer storms tripping out the grid extension cord. I have generator power and no A/C for several hours can make things uncomfortable really quickly. The $400 price tag is abet steep, but the ability to run my 800 ft² home in "normal" mode including a 30 gallon electric water heater on a 9,500 Wp inverter generator in economy mode and not skipping a beat when the compressor kicks on is a godsend.
The onboard diagnostics and compressor protection has saved me at least two $125 service truck roll calls plus parts. Having the EasyStart unit intervene in a fault event is way better than having the thermal overload tripping out. I've ran into one by the time someone realize what is happening the compressor housing was hot enough to fry an egg on it.
As for the ICM870, I think it is a great budget friendly version for those who don't want the geeky bells and whistles. According to their specs, using the 16 amp version might be pushing the limits on a 4.5 ton OSU. Can't wait for them to release the 32 amp version soon enough since my neighbor wants one installed, but not $400 interested. If my memory serves me correctly the LRA is around 100+ amps definitely stall out a 20 kW natural gas generator and maybe not so much on a diesel version. The power head might not like it, but it'll muscle through it.
Pricey investment as it may, but in the long term when your HVAC is at the end of its service life. The soft start unit is still good to transfer to the new replacement unit if it doesn't already have one already. Even the basic one has enough smarts to relearn to the operating characteristics of the new compressor.
the ICM-870-16 will work on a 2.5 ton and is only $154 Unless you want the Bluetooth Feature then Spend $300 Plus for Micro-Air
You should do a video that demonstrates the difference in sound before & after.
I just installed one yesterday. Even without thinking about a generator this will help your outside unit with amperage draw. Highly recommend. I paid $370!for the one installed. Total cost was $800 for the job. Definitely worth it in the long run.
And how will it help? It doesn't reduce power consumption, it costs more than the window unit....By a lot, So what is the problem with a half second inrush current?
@@integr8er66 It will extend the life of the compressor
@0:33: A hard-start kit doesn't give an extra boost of current. It's a capacitor. Capacitors in AC circuits are buffers; they don't store and release jolts as in DC circuits. A hard-start kit uses a capacitor installed in parallel to phase-shift some of the current for a power-correction. This reduces inductive reactance and improves efficiency, thereby REDUCING in-rush current, not increasing it.
The ICM870 9amp is perfect for RV’s, the ICM870 16 and 32 amp is good for your home AC units. They’re 159 for the 9amp and the 16 and 32 amp is about 179. Half the price and it’s been around in the hvac industry for years. We’ve used them in server rooms with UPS on the server and AC units cooling the servers that will run on battery back up before the generator start up and some just run on ups systems till you can get power back up and running.
Just ordered a micro air soft starter after watching many videos, including your install video. I have solar with battery backup. This will allow me to run the AC while off grid.
Can you give us an update? How is it going with the product?
@@corbinkappler4631 It's working great! Not much of an update to give because I installed it and it's just doing exactly what it was supposed to do. No issues. I can now run my heat pump air conditioner from just my batteries, no problem. My heat pump has a rated LRA (locked rotor amps) of 107. According to the Micro Air app, I'm now starting it using only 34 amps. Couldn't be happier with it.
@@dreednlb that’s great. Thank you for your response and for the helpful information.
I subbed bro, I like how you try to educate homeowners in plain terms and show people how to do things in an easily understood way
Just installed the ICM-860 as the price is about half of the micro-air. Start up amps is 28 on a 4 ton unit. I didn't have meter to measure inrush before installing, but with the cost saving I was able to get a Kaiweets 208D clamp meter and still have money left.
Did the install make the start up noise less?
Why go cheap on these?
@@linvol20 Yes, I had a hard start unit installed before and it sounded like someone hit the unit with a hammer when it started. The soft start was a much smoother, softer start up.
I installed the hard start kit myself 3-4 years ago and noticed it also helped reduce the running noise of the compressor. I'd also like to replace the hard start kit with easy-start if will help prolong the compressor life. I have a dual AC system and I can see will cost between $800-$1K for the easystart but will save on installing it myself. With his easy-start i can use my backup gen (honda ge EU3000si with transfer switch) to run one of my AC unit in case of a power outage. My solar with Enphase microinverter is capable of providing power (no batt bckup) but requires additional components ($5k-6K) for it to work.
I put a 521 hard start on our new 4 ton, LRA dropped from 107 to 48., Easy for a generator to start
Also much less complex than a soft-start, so fewer points of potential failure. Much cheaper as well.
Getting ready to add solar panels with battery backup and my solar installer wants to install a "soft-start" device so I can run my home AC even during a grid outage. Now I know what he's talking about.
Regarding Hard Start Kits, only use those with an external relay and not a resistor only. We have had resistor units not drop out after start as they get weak, and the compressor start windings end up toasted. Relay type are more reliable
Glad you chimed in on that!!
There is a company now making Soft Start Kits for less than $200. It's called the ICM Controls ICM870-16A Soft Start.
Wow good timing. Check out my latest video 😊
High failure rate for this brand...just removed the failed unit on mine tonight
@@shaundenkler810 Thanks for the feedback. How do you know the failure rate is high?
@@shaundenkler810 was it properly sized ? If FLA rating on soft start is lower than the AC nameplate, of course it will fall.
@@Capt-Intrepid a simple search will reveal
You can also install the kickstarts if you want to run the AC with a generator I ran two two and a half ton system on a 6000 watt generator
Thanks for the video and thanks to the posters for all the helpful comments.
The soft Art kits are also excellent for people that have solar systems with battery back up. Many inverters cannot handle the surge current of an air conditioner but with a soft start it is usually no problem and you can run your air conditioner for a few hours without running your batteries down too low during a long-term power outage
This explains what i was asking about in other video. 😅 Thank you! Your vids are great at explaining things to us knuckleheads. 😊
Thanks for all the great content! Really helped me understand the difference.
Running a 3.5T Honeywell from 2011 with a hard start. 13kw Generator with gas does fine. 😮
I wish A#1 Air had watched your videos . They installed a 18 seer unit 2 years ago. It made a banging noise on start. 3 inside and 2 outside unit later! They put a hard start on it too. They sent a electrician finally . He said my 1963 wiring needed a ground. Wow no more bang! Now it moaning like a old man. I bet it's the hard start that it didn't need!
They were probably just guessing and not doing the actual troubleshooting techniques that they were taught.
Hi David, nice video, I think you meant to say 3100 w instead of 31 w. 😊
Hehe thank you. I’m always saying the wrong thing 🤪
Power factor correction involves inductive reactance and capacitive reactance..how current changes in its relation to voltage in an inductive circuit. Fritz Rochester has an easy to understand video on TH-cam about Rectorseal Kickstart T05.
Thank you for the information. I put one on my shopping list. I'm not very good with electrical stuff but I may be able to install. I watched your installation, and probably review it before attempting my installation. I used your link so hopefully you'll get credit if it's a few days before I purchase.
Awesome! Thanks brotha!
Thank You. From Fort Myers, FL.
I've had an EASYSTART on my 3 ton pack for a year now, and my power bill has gone down every month. The power saving has Allright payed for it self
You're full of shit 🤣
That's not what a soft-start kit or a start-capacitor does for the compressor.
Soft-start reduces the initial amp draw and slowly ramps it up while a start-capacitor with a potential or current relay increases capacitance which increases amps through the start winding on the compressor creating a stronger magnetic field to force the rotor around easier hence a lower starting amp draw compared to just using a run-capacitor.
Slow amp draw over a longer time duration or a quick amp draw which dims the lights in the house, either way its still going to use about the same amount of power.
None of those things will actually save you on your electric bill 😏
Thanks for the video, now I know! I appreciate it!
Hard start kits help generators run house hvac units as well. Stored energy blasting the power hungry compressor puts less strain on your generator.
The running amps should be the same with both kits, right? That's what I was hoping you'd go over.
With a soft start installed is a 3 to 5 minute compressor start delay still necessary? I have a 4 ton 12+ year old Ruud compressor/condenser R410a system.
With a soft start installed at the condenser unit I think the delay built into the thermostat would still be there. My system currently runs the AC blower fan (but not condenser fan) more or less immediately but compressor and condenser fan kick on 3 minutes later.
I would like to reduce this delay if it's possible and safe to do so because I'm in the sunbelt south and my ducts are in the attic so during much of the day for those 3 minutes it's mostly blowing around hot humid air.
Thanks for your great videos. You are the best on TH-cam for explaining fairly technical AC stuff to non-professionals.
The hard start kit is good for non-VRM compressors with expansion valve systems. The hard start kit will supposedly extend the life of the compressor. Most equipment manufacturers are too cheap to include hard start kit and pressure switches as standard equipment. There’s a good hard start demo with oscilloscope traces on TH-cam.
The soft start should be used if you are trying to run your A/C with a generator.
Doesn't the hard start kit also take the load off of the generator?
Just watched another HVAC guy. He took one off of a unit and acted like it was the worst thing somebody could do to a unit. Thoughts?
Just ordered a soft start for AC unit. This is being added for the home backup power supply being added to my solar panels.
The link took us to the megohmeter video
I’d add , even if u don’t plan to battery or generator start, a soft start will just be easier on the pump & circuit over its lifetime. Even adding years of use
I have a Trane Heat Pump from 1988 still working and cooling my home. Gas furnace handles heating. Yes, I know its SEER is like 8.0 but hard to justify $6,000+ to replace it. Want longevity ? Buy a Trane.
Nicely done!
My understanding is if your compressor is having issues starting a hard start is what is needed. A soft start will not help. If your compressor is starting without issues a soft start will help it last longer.
Great video.
Will this void warranty?
You never really said if the soft start unit will work on an older unit that has issues starting when it's 90 degrees out and the thermostat is short cycling. My success came when I found a timer that delays the low voltage by about 10 minutes since last start. It has pretty much eliminated the stalled compressor issue.
My Rheem AC outdoor unit refuses to run on generator unless I bypass the circuit board on the outdoor unit. It’s a three ton, about five years old and the generator is a 22kw whole house unit, which should be more than adequate to run a three ton heat pump system. The outdoor unit will attempt to start and then drop out. I suspect that when it starts, the voltage at the contactor and circuit board are dropping below a threshold which causes the circuit board to drop the contactor. I plan to do more checks to confirm this, including checking the indications of the diagnostic LEDs on the circuit board. Perhaps the soft start kit will be the answer. Thanks for all your great content.
Soft start kit is best way I can recover cost for DIY solar battery system during hot summer peak hr power cost.
Well done video, learned a lot!!
I see below someone else suggested a soft start that was cheaper. I prefer if I buy something, I buy it once and quality. Do you still highly recommend the Micro-Air? Funny the next vid played and it was not yours, but that HV guy said the soft start caused havoc.
Compressors are designed to operate effectively with high locked rotor currents without damage. They do fail from low voltage conditions, however. A hard start 5-2-1 is the best device to assist a compressor. Soft start are expensive and do not save you on the electric bill at all. Install an Intermatic AG3000 surge protector on the condenser disconnect switch. Power surges will kill a compressor, ECM fan motor and the defrost board if its a heat pump. Wash the condenser coil every spring so the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard
The peak inrush amps is misleading because there is no time interval involved, which I assume is a fraction of a second.
How does one determine a hard start kit is needed? I can understand a soft start is needed when a generator is involved.
@@inhocsigno9151 Put an amprobe on the start wire to the compressor. If the amperage at start is higher than nameplate LRA, try a 5-2-1 hard start. It will reduce the LRA of that tired compressor.
I just want to clarify that both systems can be used to start the air conditioner compressor with a generator provided that the steady amperage used by the compressor is below the generator output. This applies for both systems. The reason a generator normally does not start the compressor is because of the peak amperage used to start it which lasts less than a second. Both systems avoid pulling a peak amperage from the grid.
So am I understanding correctly that a soft start is the best of both worlds? A hard start will reduce the amp draw, but also a soft start will too, and a soft start could allow you to more easily run your AC off of a generator, so 2 for 1 benefit?
Do you have a video for putting one on a fridge
Great video, you should do one on which would be better for semi permanent install Dwyer magnetic or their Water gravity static pressure meters. Very important for high merv filters people with allergies and illness would benefit from.....also, any tips how to better seal bathroom fans flap from wind blowing in
Great video, is there anything preventing me from using one of these soft start kits on my 240v water pump? I need to find a way to bring down my inrush at start up so my inverter stops faulting out.
DIY Guy: When u do the ICM Softstart install video (soon), please include a ' compare and contrast'
ICM vs MICROAIR...both devices seem comparable, does either device have extra features that the
other doesn't??
Yea the micro air has Bluetooth wheras the icm doesn’t but I will for sure do a side by side comparison on them 👍🏼 cheers
@@diyhvacguy edit: just saw your link to the 150$ ICM. Original: Mentioning the cheapest soft start available is probably also a good idea. If you want soft start but don't care about Bluetooth, diagnostics, or anything other than lowering inrush current draw. I've got a 9.5kW/12.5kW peak generator which runs the A/C fine, but if there's product out there that'll reduce the inrush current draw in the 50-150$ range, I would definitely spend that to reduce stress on the Generator and maybe benefit the A/C Compressor at the same time. Don't see more than 150$ of value so 350$+ is definitely not happening.
I've seen plenty of those $400 Soft-Start kits being sold as refurbished units hence they must have a high failure rate seeing how that same company has a ton of them on hand to resell 😈
Cheapest and factory alternative is to add a start-capacitor (hard-start kit) hence the reason the companies that produce the AC units offer this kit in the first place. This also decreases starting amps because the extra capacitance decreases reactance which allows more current flow through the START windings increasing it's field strength which spins the rotor over easier 😊
I bought this Easy Start Micro Air, but not yet install.... Still Working on my Ply-wood Muffler Silencer to Reduce Noise Level to 56-58 at 15 ft. During an Outage
Thanks from Bangladesh.
Always great thank 😊 you
i did the icm on my sisters package unit, its 3 yrs old, being in eastern NC when hurricane's come i had to put a window ac in for her being her generator was only 4000 watts , it would run the well pump , frig and window ac , she could keep her bedroom cool. the icm clearly quiets her unit . i live next door about 100 ft and could hear her unit kick on while i was watching tv. not no more , i cant hear it at all unless im outside.. so i tried out her generator after icm install and it fires her package unit right up , she can watch tv , frig runs etc. did a 24 hr test had no issues,,, need to get her a 13,500 watt like i have but she can now at least cool her place and not live in her bedroom during a storm. but im going to do solar mini split 24 k and then put my generator at her place.. Ice storm ive already put in a 5 brick propane heater for her being she has propane stove,, so heat isn't a issue. like today its 105 pool is 93 .
Care to am an updated video on hard start? Something like your Capacitor video. In depth. Ty 👌
Thank you for the lesson Mr. DIY HVAC.
I wonder what device would work best in an off grid campervan situation in which a battery bank supplies 12V power to an inverter which runs (among other things like lighting, a couple of low amp PC fans and some electronics) a 65 W (inrush at least 400W) compressor cooler and a very small (DIY) mini split type system based on a the heat pump components of a tumble dryer which has a rated power use of about 450 W - inrush probably around 1.2 kW)
I have an inverter installed of 1500 W (which can peak deliver around 3000W for a couple of seconds (8-10 or so)
If a slow start or hard start helper can be used to help start both the cooler and the micro split (so to speak) that would make a lot of difference in power use and current spikes...
Your opinion please...
Once concern I have is how reliable these soft-start units are? Is there any data on expected lifespan or real-world experience that goes beyond a couple years?
Hi Dave, congrats, another great video ! Thx a lot man. Dave, I wanna buy Hard start kit, but I saw somewhere that I must know if my AC unit has Thermostatic Expansion Valve .... Can you guide me about that detail ?
AWEOME videos. Thank you. Quick questions: In an area where the temp is 108 to 120+ in summer, on 2 split units, 3-ton 16-seer each unit, about 14 yrs old system with NO generator used, goodman brand...(FYI, I just installed 2 new capacitors that were bubbled up and were near busting which I installed last year, with 2, 3 wire hard start kit that has a separate relay which you talked about in you other videos). Should I remove those hard start kit I just installed, or keep it, or switch them with Soft Start kit to help with compressor's life and ease the loads on the capacitors? The excessive heat is killing those capacitors, not sure though...
Thank you!!
Is a soft start suitable for a mini split with an inverter so I can run it with my big generator or is it not needed?
Thank you
I love the idea that i can run on a 5500 watt gen during a power outage (hurricane central FL)but Does a soft start installation void a warranty on the heat pump or HVAC SYSTEM?
Appreciate the vdos bro. I have a 4 ton unit that starts with my Duramax 12,000. Should I consider putting a soft start on? The unit is 2 yrs old. Thanks again for great vdos.
A 521 hard start also reduces inrush alot. My 4 ton went from 107 to 48. You can not worry about leaving other breakers on the whole AC is running
I have a 20 yr old , a/c , still runs , debating whether to install hard start kit , some TH-camrs say it can be harmful to your compressor? Any additional info would be helpful
Thxs
Great video I like to get soft start at some point but $385 damn that’s steep I wish you have coupon code
Love the channel. I watch so i can try to fix a few things myself. Question for you. My HAVAC guy recommended a soft start I believe to prolong the life of my compressor. 2003 carrier home ac. Any thoughts? Thank you!
I personally think that if you want to prolong the life of the ac I’d go with a hard start kit. If you need/want to power your ac with a generator, then I say go with the soft start. Just my .02 cents. Cheers
@@diyhvacguy I thought the Hard Start kit was for units exactly like name implies - perhaps older, wearing out /worn ones, that are "hard at starting", and need the extra boost that the hard start capacitor provides.
I had a time when my power went out. When it came back on, the compressor started up. Then 20-30 sec later; power out again; a minute later, back on. I thought. "That can't be good for the compressor". So I think a search for "compressor startup delay" let me to the soft start.
So I'm looking more for something that can help extend the life of an otherwise in good condition compressor. [If mine was starting to have issues, then the hard start kit might be a way to extend it's life, before even that won't help, and it needs to be replaced.]
oop yup you do!! awesome!
doesn't the soft start have a built in hard start unit in it?
Will the soft-starter help eliminate the dreaded terminal burn off? Thanks for posting the video.
Great content... Just had to put a cap on my downstairs unit. It's getting old and its a R22 unit. I haven't checked starting amps but I'm guessing it would be better to install a hard start kit VS the soft start?
Can I get some clarification? From what I understand from your video, on an old unit running on R22 system can benefit from a hard start kit while a newer unit can benefit from a soft start kit. What is the cut off point for considering an old unit? 10,15 years? I have a 12 year unit and plan on getting a generator (for emergencies), would I then need a soft or hard start kit? Thank you for your videos. They have been insightful.
Soft start is for when you plan on using a generator. Hard start- non generator/older units.
Time stamp 4:08/5:54, did you mean "31 amp generator?" Not to be critical, but might confuse some people.
Thinking Soft Start is best for power outage using a generator. 2.5 Tons and 8750 Inverter Gen? What ya think?
What if my ac already has a hard start kit installed from the manufacturer? Will a soft start work on that unit? I'm trying to reduce peak hour amp consumption in arizona.
I have a new Lennox residential a/c system which starts with a loud bang some of the time. What is this and will either of these products fix that problem! I’m concerned that the compressor is taking a lot of voltage too fast. Am I wrong? Comments welcome.
Yes, a soft start kit will quiet down the unit at startup and when it stops also. You can find the correct product for your system in the video description 👍🏼 cheers
@@diyhvacguy thanks for your help. I’ll check into it.
Are all soft start kits the same, because their prices aren’t?
Great videos !!!
🙏🏻
Does the soft start save on energy
I have 2 American standard platinum 3.5 and 3-ton units; I was thinking of using the Micro air; however, I heard it could mess with these smart variable units. Do you have any recommendations on this? My units are from 2016m, and I don't want to fry one of them to install the soft start. My AC guy didn't really give me a clear answer on this subject. He did say he had customers that installed it on their and caused problems and had to take off, but don't know if it is true or not since he is making money on the install.
Check your video: You say you can run your AC on a 31 WATT generator! I think you mean a 31 AMP generator (or 6820 WATTS @ 220 VOLTS.)
He also added a comment correcting his misspeak
He also added text on the screen correcting himself, and he did not mean 31 amp, he meant 3100 watt
...more amps than anything (other than an electric on demand water heater). Mine draws 30,000 watts on startup and ramps down to about 20,000 watts during a shower.
Great video, thanks for the information. I have a 2005 Rheem AC unit with a 2.4 Ton Copeland compressor. At this time it is working fine. I recently replaced the contactor, cables and the capacitor(installed a Amrad 35/10 with CPT) as maintenance. Do you recommend installing (or not) a Hard or Soft Start kit for this setup? Just thinking in the nonsense prices of the new units, I just want to make the actual system to last as long as possible. Thanks!
You keep bringing up “old systems”, I have a new 3/4 year old system, would it still be beneficial to install a hard starter? Would installing one extend its life?… Love your videos 👍🏼❤️
Adding a Soft Start will help your unit last longer. No so with a hard start.
should I be concerned my compressor is rusty on the exterior?
I have a new 2.5 ton a/c unit. If i install a soft start kit will my 5k generator run it ok?
Heck yea, this thing will allow you to run it on a 3500w generator. You can find the correct size for your system in the video description 👍🏼 cheers
Thak you sir.
I had a hard start kit installed by my hvac guy. It blew up within a few days. Literally blew up and sprayed oil all over inside the unit.
Your compressor was probably already locked up mechanically
There are many wires that co-connect to the A/C House power. Do you believe that the Soft Start could be installed with a switch for the only wire that is bypassed, so you have the option of Hard Start and Soft Start?
Thanks for the great information.
Please DO A TRUCK TOUR 🤝🤝🤝🤝
It’s in the works!! :)
Can I get a cheaper soft start kit for a water pressure pump.
The soft start seems to reduce the amp requirement to start the AC much more than the Hard start. I just got a new Lennox 2 stage AC that starts hard, you can hear it kick on from inside. My older unit on the other side of the house is a 2 stage Trane (has 2 compressors) and that one, you can be next to it and you will hear it start but so smooth and quiet. Can a soft start reduce the hard start of the Lennox AC and extend the life of the compressor? I ask as the unit is a 2 stage compressor, when it was first installed it started in high mode, I asked the installers why it started in high, it was apparent that they did not know, they contacted Lennox and made changes to the thermostat settings, but even so it starts Hard but the compressor starts out at a lower speed.
I just had a condenser installed, should I go ahead and install a hard start kit?
Subscribed!
So. I have a new-ish home. Built in 2019. 2 Carrier AC units. 1.5 ton and 3.0 ton. I have no home generator. Both units work perfect but they start HARD.
If I want to extent the life of these units, it sounds like I need to put a soft start on each one of the compressors, no?
I'd use a hard start kit once they get up in age (10 years+), correct?
Is it advisable to install the separate relay in the a hard start kit? The built-in canisters have a thermistor as opposed to a relay, which is not very reliable longer term.
Is there a soft start kit that will work with a newer window shaker? I recently bought "cheap" 6Kbtu unit rated 11seer. Yes, it surges when starting, but settles down to around 485 watts full running on high. Reason because I have a decent 1500 watt sinewave inverter that pukes out when I try to start AC.
Scenario: previous owners installed a hard start kit. Can only assume it was to prolong life of an old AC. Would swapping it out for a soft start work?
I have the same question. Were you able to get an answer?