Hard start kits

[Lason]

Had a A/C guy come out yesterday to check out my ac because it tripped the breaker. He said the compressor is pulling 95 amps at startup and needs a hard start kit. Then he quoted me $405!!!! I told him thanks but no thanks.

I know these things are only about $20 and take 2 minutes to put in but I'm not sure what kit to get. My capacitors are rusted with no labels so I'm not sure what size they are either. Its a 2 1/2 ton unit and I was looking at this kit on amazon but there are 3 options....

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Supco-SPP6E-Series-Electronic-Potential/dp/B0071OXD8E/ref=sr_1_2?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1376477721&sr= 1-2&keywords=hard+start+kit[/ame]

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[Lason]

Also, what about the 5-2-1 3 wire kits instead of the 2 wire kits? They rate theirs off tonnage so seems easier to figure out which one I need. Looks like the CSR U1 is what I need.

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[mustngacman]

Yes the CSR U1 is the one you will need. Did he check your capacitor? Also did he try a start kit to see if it would bump off and then check amp draw?

[Stephen]

I have a complete outside unit with a newish capacitor and a hardstart kit 2.5 ton that was working when I replaced my ac.. $50 for everything lol

[Lason]

Yes the CSR U1 is the one you will need. Did he check your capacitor? Also did he try a start kit to see if it would bump off and then check amp draw?

Don't think he did. He told me $405 for the hard start kit and I told him no way.


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[Lason]

I have a complete outside unit with a newish capacitor and a hardstart kit 2.5 ton that was working when I replaced my ac.. $50 for everything lol

Thanks but I think this was the last straw. This thing has been problematic the past few summer's and the wife wants to save up for a whole new unit inside and out with warranty.

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[mustngacman]

I would replace the cap and add hard start. And hope for the best. It could be just locked up and not bump off.

[bcoop]

I paid $29 for a hard start for my a/c on Saturday. lmfao @ $405. You can hook one up in less than 5 minutes. 10 if you have to drill a hole to mount it. I added it because it seems without fail, I burn through a capacitor every August like clockwork. Supposedly this will help with that.


ACR Supply in Irving stocks them, and will sell to the public.

[Lason]

I would replace the cap and add hard start. And hope for the best. It could be just locked up and not bump off.

It's working now, I flipped the breaker and it started working. The compressor just pulls 95 amps for about 3-5 seconds then starts up.

He just said I need a hard start to help with that. It was working when he left, just more of a FYI

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[Chuck_Finley]

You should keep in mind that a hard start kit is only designed to help your condenser last a little longer. The point I'm trying to make is that your condenser is already on the way out; the kit has just bought you a little extra time. It helps give it a little extra juice because of internal resistance in the compressor, bearings going out, motor dying, whatever. That condenser eventually will die, just a matter of time so start saving up now.

[dblack1]

Holy hell what a racket @ $405.

I swear HVAC finds some unscrupulous individuals. My FIL owns a HVAC business and has taught me a lot about it while being phone support for my rentals. Lots of ways to get over on someone.

My brother had just bought a house and the fan came apart. The first guy who came out said it would be a good time to replace the whole unit (package) and quoted him around $5k. He called me and asked my opinion. I had him take a video of the noise and send to me and told him to call someone else. He told the next guy the problem and he fixed it for a couple hundred.

Almost the same story for my mom after my dad passed in 06. Said it needed a new compressor or some shit, here it is 7 years later still kicking out cold air.

[bcoop]

You should keep in mind that a hard start kit is only designed to help your condenser last a little longer.

This is absolutely false. Every tech I know worth their weight recommends a hard start for any and everyone with an air conditioner. They shorten the startup period by up to 50% which lengthens the compressor life. All the new higher seer units come with them already installed.