Is hard start kit necessary?
martir
last year
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sktn77a
last yearmartir
last yearRelated Discussions
hard starts for heatpump/AC compressors
Comments (2)we re-used the old-Wip that connected the disconnect to the old-outdoor unit because it looked like new. We replaced the disconnect with a new one because it looked it was old looking. When it starts, it doesn't always do that. Maybe only if it hasn't started in a while. The old unit definitely didn't do the noisy startup. It was r-22 though. I can't remember if if would ever dim the lights to be honest. It may. The dimming of the lights isn't a terribly big deal. It doesn't always happen, and when it does its a quick dim. I guess mainly concerned about the occaisionally noisy startups. Wasn't sure if this was good for the equipment....See MoreHard Start Kit
Comments (6)A hard start kit will not resolve the issue in your particular situation. I think you did change the start capacitor and start relay, which should help. If your unit doesn't have a start relay and start capacitor, by all means, add the kit, it won't hurt and it might minimize the nuisance. However, on a unit that size, I'm sure it has a start capacitor and relay, which is what a hard start kit is. I do think the momentary dimming of lights during the initial surge when the compressor starts is likely what Brickeye mentioned, the distance from the main panel may be the culprit. You might also have some other high draw components on that circuit such as an electric hot water heater or stove that may be operating at the same time the unit starts. In that case, you may not see the lights dim every time the unit starts. One thing you could try is first is making sure your grounds and connections are all clean and tight, even at the panel. Follow all rules concerning high voltage while working this issue. Make sure you know what you are doing at the panel and also around connections at the unit (I think you do but must mention it). If the momentary dimming is a nuisance, you could move the breaker and associated ground to the other side of the box. This of course may make lights dim in a different part of the house....See MoreHard Start Kit for Air Conditioner
Comments (1)Sorry I posted this twice, didn't see the first one....See MoreHard Start Kit Installed, Run Cap and Compressor Failure...
Comments (6)Some compressors require hard start kits to start up when using certain metering devices on the evap coil. (These are typically relegated to old style air conditioning units or in some cases very low end units that contain a piston style compressor.) Hard starts come in various forms, there are different compressors (sizing) that in order to start properly need a start kit specifically matched as close as possible to the starting needs of that compressor. If the start kit being used is a two wire, there is a better than even chance it will not work for long unless the kit (two wire) just happens to be the proper match for the compressor you are using it for. In some cases, the 2 wire start kit can kill the compressor in which it is attached to or the compressor kills the start kit (explodes) I typically use a 3 wire kit, in which has a better probability as well as success rate of working. But these cost more and as you can imagine there is no guarantee these will be any more successful in all situations. If a compressor is having a hard time starting, this is an indication of failure for the most part. So as to the success one will have or not have in regards to using hard start kit to assist start the compressor greatly depends on the level of failure the compressor has been exposed to. There is no metric to know this specifically. In most cases a 'properly' fitted hard start kit can extend the life of an ailing compressor for many years. But there is also the risk that it will not work. It depends on a host of various factors....See Moremike_home
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