Hard Start Kits VS Soft Start Kits | Which Is Better?
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- Опубликовано: 10 июн 2024
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Universal hard start kit shown in this video: amzn.to/3NikXFs
Easy Start Kit For 1-1.5 Ton Air Conditioner/Heat Pump:
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Easy Start Kit For 2-3.5 Ton Air Conditioner/Heat Pump:
a.co/d/644RaUM
Easy Start Kit For 4-6 Ton Air Conditioner/Heat Pump:
amzn.to/3J0dtUL
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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.
Thank You, sir. I live in southern Florida where hurricanes and power outages happen frequently. This video is very informative. 👍
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
Thanks for the video and thanks to the posters for all the helpful comments.
Thanks for all the great content! Really helped me understand the difference.
This explains what i was asking about in other video. 😅 Thank you! Your vids are great at explaining things to us knuckleheads. 😊
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
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 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.
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.
Nicely done!
Thank You. From Fort Myers, FL.
Well done video, learned a lot!!
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!
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.
I put a 521 hard start on our new 4 ton, LRA dropped from 107 to 48., Easy for a generator to start
Great video.
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?
Always great thank 😊 you
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?
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 RUclips.
The soft start should be used if you are trying to run your A/C with a generator.
Running a 3.5T Honeywell from 2011 with a hard start. 13kw Generator with gas does fine. 😮
Thanks for the great information.
Thak you sir.
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?
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
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 😏
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 😊
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.
Great videos !!!
🙏🏻
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?
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 RUclips for explaining fairly technical AC stuff to non-professionals.
The link took us to the megohmeter video
Will the soft-starter help eliminate the dreaded terminal burn off? Thanks for posting the video.
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 RUclips about Rectorseal Kickstart T05.
Thanks from Bangladesh.
oop yup you do!! awesome!
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 🤪
Do you have a video for putting one on a fridge
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
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...
Just ordered a soft start for AC unit. This is being added for the home backup power supply being added to my solar panels.
Great content. I have an older Tempstar 3 ton. 88 LAR, 16 RLA. TEMPSTAR IS MADE BY CARRIER. 20 YEARS OLD. Which model soft start do you recommend? Much appreciated.
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.
Have question. Hope you can help me with it. Which one is better: "Micro-Air EasyStart" or "ICM870" ? I see that ICM870 is way cheaper.
Will this void warranty?
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.
Does the ICM 870 have a 4 minute delay on every start cycle for the compressor? This would allow the air handler in the attic to run 4 minutes before the compressor comes on.
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.]
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?
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.
Care to am an updated video on hard start? Something like your Capacitor video. In depth. Ty 👌
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 stand alone generator on my home. When the AC unit kicks on the lights dem or flicker for a second. Can I still use the Micro-Air Soft start, if I have the generator or is it not wise to install it.
Hello, love your channel. I have learned a lot about the cooling/heating system from your channel!
Question: Can I add a 5-2-1 Hard Start kit to a 5 ton Variable Speed Daikin Heat Pump?
I am connecting a Duramax XP13000HXT generator to my house with a 5 ton ac unit. Would I use a soft start or hard start to be able to run my AC?
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?
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.
Thinking Soft Start is best for power outage using a generator. 2.5 Tons and 8750 Inverter Gen? What ya think?
Does a soft start quiet the initial clunk of the start up
If you have 2 units in thst case you can run a hard start on one unit and a sidt stsrt on another ? Depending on hpw old each unit is and whats best to gey the compressor running?
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.
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?
can these be put on a unit with a 2 stage compressor ?
I have a 4Ton heat pump, I want to add tis to my unit? Do see any problem doing that? I didn't mention my heat pump is 14 seer.
Soft start kit is best way I can recover cost for DIY solar battery system during hot summer peak hr power cost.
Okay.
So, if I can not use a hard start kit on my mini-split unit, can I use a Micro Air easy start then ???
Will the soft start kit add any longevity to the older units? We have a rather large portable generator on our house, and I have been looking into one.
However, I am a handyman, and one of the houses I work on regularly is rather large, and old(over 120 years). They happen to also have a Standby Generator, but since it is a rather large house with 3 stories and a large addition, they have 4 A/C units on the house.
They basically got screwed when they had their Generac installed. Lowest bidder scenario. Anyway, the generator needs to be moved, and after talking to a few generator installation companies, we have some to the conclusion that the A/C units should have some sort of soft start device on them, so that it won't be such a hard draw should the electricity go out and all of the units start up before they are able to raise the temps on the individual thermostats.
So I guess I am asking a 2 part question here. Will the soft starts add or assist in longevity and will 4 soft starts be necessary?
Sorry off topic question, do you recommend to use an air conditioner cover in winter? Live in Canada, have heard yes and no.
I put a make shift board over the top of my condenser to prevent snow and ice damaing the condenser fan, but nothing thats completely covering it due to rodents using it as a nest in winter months. I say no its made to be in the elements.
doesn't the soft start have a built in hard start unit in it?
Some SPP6 hard start kits are for PSC motor only. How do I know if it can be used for my AC?
is there a bluetooth issue identifier/ debugger I can install without the soft start capability?
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 have a 14 year old Carrier duel stage. Should I use a Hard Start or Soft Start?
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 .
Can a hard start kit still reduce the starting amp requirement from a generator even though it reduces only about 50% instead about 7% for a soft start kit? My Generac 24KW standby generator would dim lights during AC started. A hard start kit should reduce its loads to avoid dimming the lights. Is this true?
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.
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.
So would the soft start cut your power bill?
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.
Will the soft start help with the bang noise when it starts. Mine is right by my bed. So i hear it… my guess is the contactor bang is what i hear but im not sure.
Yes this should help significantly with that!
Do you have a video on how to install the hard start kit? How do I know if it will work for my older unit?
Yes I do. You can find it if you scroll through my video library 👍🏼
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
Can you install a hard start kit on a scroll compressor, and should that be done on a older R22 unit that currently doesn't seem to have any problem starting currently?
Save the money for the start up kit and use that extra money saving up for a new system. Since 2020, anyone with an R22 system is going to kick themselves for spending money on extending it’s life. The R22 hoarded is only going to diminish and all that will remain is recycled refrigerant. Be wise, save your money
@@WhatIsYourCard Thanks, I know you're correct on this! 👍
Since these lower the amount of inrush current needed to start the compressor will this lead to energy savings on your electric bill?
No, it just stores the current 4:31 needed to start the outside unit.
From what I’ve been told it won’t. It just changes the way the current is delivered. Same energy is being used
Great video I like to get soft start at some point but $385 damn that’s steep I wish you have coupon code
Please DO A TRUCK TOUR 🤝🤝🤝🤝
It’s in the works!! :)
Currently I’m running a hard start ( just moved in two months ago and it was already there ), 4 ton unit/ and the handler is upstairs in the middle of the house. Think it would be ok to switch out to the big daddy soft start I just bought??
Of course.
Home built in 2019. On the second owner. I have my unit service twice a year. It is very loud coming on like the volume is turned up a quiet within 30 to 60s. Any ideas?
The micro-air soft start could definitely help with that.
Can I install a soft start on a Trane system that has a hard start from the factory? I’m assuming no?
Its Called a Start Capacitor when its Factory installed & Yes you can install a Soft Start but you have to disconnect the Factory Start (Hard Start Cap ) First You don't have to remove it just disconnect the 2 wires going to the Run Capacitor C & Herm Terminals from the Hard start Cap & Relay . Soft Starts have a Hard Start Capacitor already installed in the unit
I would be interested in hearing about, and understanding the calculation, electricity savings when using a soft start to figure out a ROI. Anyone? Or is the soft start really about the ability to use a smaller generator and not the cost savings?
For most people, a soft start doesn’t save them money directly, but it does give them options they didn’t have before. The big one being able to run your AC off a generator or solar inverter. The decrease in initial current (inrush current) is what’s great. Otherwise your generator just clicks off because of too much current draw. Or your solar inverter trips again because of too much current.
My heat pump's already have capacitors; isn't this (at least the hard start) the same as adding a bigger capacitor?
Also, let's say i bought one of these, do you still use the factory capacitor?
Yes
I find soft start kits more useful for homeowners, while hard start kits are more suitable for multifamily homes.
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.
Question. Can you intall a soft start if you have a hard start installed?
No. One or the other
should I be concerned my compressor is rusty on the exterior?
Can u add soft start on a mini split multi zone sys?
I read it somewhere. They say no for the mini splits.
can i use a hard or soft start on a duel stage air conditioner
Yes you can. They are only used at startup not when changing between stages
will this help my mini split thanks
No your mini split has an inverter compressor so this wouldn’t apply unfortunately. Unless you have a super old school mini split, in which case you could.