Hard Start Kits - What are They and Do you Need One?

  Рет қаралды 64,692

Fire & Ice Heating and Air Conditioning Inc

Fire & Ice Heating and Air Conditioning Inc

Күн бұрын

One of the most common things HVAC service technicians come across is a failing compressor or a worn-out capacitor due to an influx of damaging electricity. One way to avoid this surge of electricity is using hard start kits. In this video we’ll discuss what they are, who should consider them, and go over their cost. By the end of this video, you’ll know whether or not a hard start kit is worth adding to your HVAC system.
0:00 Introduction
0:57 What is a hard start kit?
2:39 Who should consider a hard start kit?
3:14 How much does a hard start kit cost?
3:34 Why isn't a hard start kit included on all units?
3:55 What are the next steps?
We hope by the end of this video you'll have a better understanding of what a hard start kit is and why they play an important role in prolonging the life of an air conditioner or heat pump. If you’d like more information on hard starts kits or other heating and cooling needs visit the link in the description below. If you found this video helpful, feel free to subscribe and give us a like. Thank you for watching and we look forward to making your day better.
www.indoortemp.com/learn
Fire & Ice Heating and Air Conditioning proudly serves Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding areas. Our service area includes Bexley, Blacklick, Canal Winchester, Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Gahanna, Galena, Galloway, Grandview, Grove City, Hilliard, Lewis Center, New Albany, Obetz, Pataskala, Pickerington, Powell, Reynoldsburg, Sunbury, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Whitehall, and Worthington.

Пікірлер: 109
@Ydoucare8
@Ydoucare8 12 күн бұрын
As a HVAC tec, I approve this video. We’ll done on this video. This is a very accurate explanation of what these are used for.
@warn3535
@warn3535 11 ай бұрын
My grandmas air conditioner has a hard start kit on its compressor, it was installed in may of 2004, it is now 2023 and it is still working. We are replacing it next week due to other issues. Old amana packaged heat pump. Unit was installed in 1978.
@darylcuster4417
@darylcuster4417 4 ай бұрын
I’m replacing my York “table top” heat pump circa 1980. What did you end up replacing with
@warn3535
@warn3535 4 ай бұрын
@@darylcuster4417 replaced it with a goodman 3.5 heat pump
@prebaned
@prebaned 25 күн бұрын
These kits are a band-aid for compressors with start issues. That's the reason manufacturers don't design compressors with them. I have two 2 ton compressors going strong 21 years. I did try one kit and it did in fact reduced LRA and light dimming at start-up. However it added another point of failure which it did fain within in a year. Haven't looked back since... There is no better mousetrap and snake oil is for fools money.
@tro8191
@tro8191 Жыл бұрын
Excellent explanation! Thanks!
@Bradleybox1988
@Bradleybox1988 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. Just had a hard start ("kick start") kit installed on my less than 2 year old system at the recommendation of my service tech. Your explanation of the rationale for this device makes me glad I got it.
@PrincessAlexisfuntime
@PrincessAlexisfuntime 10 ай бұрын
How is your unit running with the hard start? I’m still on the fence on installing a hard on a normally working unit. It seems that the HVAC technicians are in disagreement on whether it is beneficial or not worth the risks that it could ruin an otherwise working compressor that does not have problems starting.
@Bradleybox1988
@Bradleybox1988 10 ай бұрын
@jamestran3768 I haven't had any problems with it. I wasn't aware of the debate over it among technicians. I went with the advice of my serviceman, in addition to having a UV light unstalled.
@BFelt717
@BFelt717 Жыл бұрын
great information, to the point, no non sense and easy to understand ..well done
@jonrob4675
@jonrob4675 Жыл бұрын
I’m learning on a 2005 Goodman purchased with the house I bought Thanks for the tip
@johnwalker6121
@johnwalker6121 Жыл бұрын
Do your research on hard vs soft start. Hard starts really only apply where you have an older unit with a compressor that is having starting problems. Soft start while more expensive offer more benefits. Several very good video from the HVAC School channel do a deep dive into the positives & negatives of both devices.
@summerforever6736
@summerforever6736 Жыл бұрын
Ye i have a new unit and I consider a soft start...i got confused for a sec
@PrincessAlexisfuntime
@PrincessAlexisfuntime Жыл бұрын
I saw the HVAC school video and got scared to install a hard start kit.
@tenwalls2428
@tenwalls2428 3 ай бұрын
I've been in this HVAC how-to mode lately and watched lots and lots of HVAC videos from lots of people who seem to know what they're doing, I've learned alot, but the best thing I've learned so far is that the HVAC School videos should be the very first reference source for all this HVAC stuff. Always, for everything HVAC related.
@tenwalls2428
@tenwalls2428 3 ай бұрын
Unless it's the OEM kit sold by the manuf. for newish, still in warranty units or it's a last-resort thing to get the unit working again.@@PrincessAlexisfuntime
@troytrexler5459
@troytrexler5459 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for explaining this issue in a simple way that we could easily understand.
@MrGaborseres
@MrGaborseres Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great explanation 👍💪
@TrueJJT
@TrueJJT Жыл бұрын
The hard start kit worked for my 15 year old unit. Compressor would not kick on, but after installing the hard start kit. Works like before! Hopefully get one year out of it? Thanks for your help!
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
Great. Most of the time you can get that or more.
@brantk81
@brantk81 Жыл бұрын
​@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 that's good news!
@mehtabhashmi2009
@mehtabhashmi2009 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the sharing
@ritamurphy1841
@ritamurphy1841 Жыл бұрын
good information
@thumbless66
@thumbless66 Жыл бұрын
I will be getting one installed as I'm going to an off grid solar setup.
@hvac-r977
@hvac-r977 2 жыл бұрын
Most walk in refrigeration systems with pump down must have hard start kit since the pressures in suction line and liquid line are different which needs high torque to start
@Gabriel-vz7ml
@Gabriel-vz7ml Жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@dont.8643
@dont.8643 3 ай бұрын
I'am an electrician but not an HVAC guy!! Would reall appreciate some feed back from you or any other qualify HVAC person. Thank You>>
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 3 ай бұрын
Feedback on?
@BillJacobs-lf5ry
@BillJacobs-lf5ry 26 күн бұрын
Do I need a 3-1 hard start kit? What is best HS kit for standard residential AC?
@5thGenNativeTexan
@5thGenNativeTexan Жыл бұрын
It would be great if you could explain the differences, and applications, for Hard Start versus Soft Start kits, and especially make note of benefits for homes considering a generator for backup.
@Barryd57
@Barryd57 Жыл бұрын
A hard start cap has a relay that turns off the additional cap within a second. It's use if brief, it's a boost, only to get the compressor moving. Test your existing cap with a meter. If marginal, replace it but make sure the replacement cap is correct on volts, mf and size/shape.
@5thGenNativeTexan
@5thGenNativeTexan Жыл бұрын
@@Barryd57 Thanks for the info, but the request was for a comparison of hard start versus soft start, and the relation to generator use.
@aquazilla645
@aquazilla645 Жыл бұрын
I would like to know the difference between hard start and soft when using a portable generator. Not sure what I need and or why
@mafosa9563
@mafosa9563 Жыл бұрын
@@aquazilla645 they both address the initial start spike. generators have a surge allowance that can allow a smaller generator to be used. i prefer soft start.
@JProv76
@JProv76 10 күн бұрын
My blower fan “hits” hard when it is cycled on. (Think; every time the AC cycles on at night, it wakes me up) Can a hard start kit be installed on the blower fan capacitor to help soften the startup ?
@comments.cuestionsandconcerns
@comments.cuestionsandconcerns 9 ай бұрын
thanks.
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 6 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching
@dont.8643
@dont.8643 3 ай бұрын
Great video. My question is a friend of mine bought 13,000 gas n gasoline generator along with a 10 circuit transfer switch which I installed for him. I bought a micro air easy start kit for his 4 ton a/c unit. But it has a solid state relay hard start capacitor. Do I need the soft start kit or can I by pass the hard start capacitor or stay with the hard start capacitor!!
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 3 ай бұрын
No idea
@MrDpotts2
@MrDpotts2 Жыл бұрын
Is the wiring the same when installing on a package unit vs a split unit? I put one on a package unit and it works great. I put one on the condenser unit outside and it smoked the hard start capacitor. I wired it as instructed. Actually I put kits on two package unit with all working fine. I put a kit on two split units and smoke both times. I feel certain I wired it correctly. Thanks
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
We don’t have package units in Columbus Ohio, so I can’t answer your question as we don’t know unequivocally.
@paulgettinger5983
@paulgettinger5983 Жыл бұрын
Do a video with Micro-Air Easy Start and compare it to a Hard Start kit and whIch do you reccomend.
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
We only use hard start kits. We don’t do videos on other products
@brucemastiff7390
@brucemastiff7390 Жыл бұрын
Great video. I have an older RV. The AC was "clicking" and I swapped out the three compactors. Everything works fine, but since it's an early 90's RV AC, I was wondering if I should install a hardstart kit. Thoughts? Thanks and subbed.
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
I would not hazard a guess on mobile homes as we do not have experience with them.
@brucemastiff7390
@brucemastiff7390 Жыл бұрын
@@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 OK. Thanks for the insight.
@NackDSP
@NackDSP Жыл бұрын
Video never bothers to show an AC with and without the kit starting. Is it quieter? "Hard Start" seems to be a bad name for this kit. I just bought a soft start and will install it myself for $300. Seems like I made the right choice as the soft start is very quiet on my RV AC. The capacitors in these AC units are designed to die at ten years so they can sell you a new AC unit. A surge protector can make them last longer, but a surge protector costs about the same as a new capacitor that will last another ten years.
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
Kit makes 0 noise
@lindsayh1162
@lindsayh1162 Ай бұрын
Thank yout
@tomdelnevo4072
@tomdelnevo4072 3 ай бұрын
I have a 3-unit Carrier system that is 10 years old - 2 units for the 1st floor and a smaller unit for the upstairs home theater. My question is - is it worth it to install 3 hard-start kits on a system of this age? I like in Texas so we get brutally hot summers.
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 3 ай бұрын
Hard start kits exist to lengthen lifespan
@tomcvetan9994
@tomcvetan9994 Жыл бұрын
should i add a soft start to my new ac unit over the hard start?
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
Not if your unit is running ok
@carrieresammy
@carrieresammy Ай бұрын
Yes don’t listen to them. Soft start will definitely increase the lifespan of your compressor. It’s an upgrade, so even though not necessary, a great choice
@95superjman
@95superjman Жыл бұрын
I installed one on my variable speed heat pump. I noticed you don't recommend a hard start kit for a variable speed system. Should I unintall the hard start kit or just leave it because there is some benefit still?
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
Uninstall it
@95superjman
@95superjman Жыл бұрын
@@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 thank you
@user-zi9ww5mt5s
@user-zi9ww5mt5s 6 ай бұрын
How do I know if my system has a variable speed? Is there a way to verify a serial number to obtain result?
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 6 ай бұрын
Your blower motor has 4-6 wires of different colors, or it has 20 white ones. All white = variable speed
@chrissterling5950
@chrissterling5950 2 жыл бұрын
Could adding a hard start kit void the warranty on the condenser?
@UltraHydrophobiccoat
@UltraHydrophobiccoat 2 жыл бұрын
I don’t think so. Some manufacturers have already add it to their units when you buy new units
@carolyn7848
@carolyn7848 Жыл бұрын
My 2.5 ton 6 yr. old unit is working normal until around 2 pm and the temp went up from 77 to 83-85 daily until about midnight then the temp would return to normal and cool overnight. I had 2 tech's say the compressor needed to be replaced and one (1) said I needed Freon in the coils. He's going to order the necessary part and also suggested using a hard start kit. I really can't decide if I should let him install it. PLEASE HELP!!!
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
I’m sorry, without knowing the pressures and temperatures and airflow the unit is getting, I don’t have enough info to fathom a guess. Usually if a compressor is bad there is a reason or problem that caused that to happen. I would ask them why did the compressor go bad. If the unit is overheating and locking up the compressor, the hard start kit will not solve the problem. If it does need Freon, that means it’s leaking somewhere so that is an additional problem.
@carolyn7848
@carolyn7848 Жыл бұрын
@@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Thank you so much for responding. I'm going to have him install the kit because we have a lot of storms here and a lot of power outages. I was told this can cause a compressor to go bad. (BTW) he added some Freon to the unit to hold me until the part comes and the AC is working normal so in my opinion this Tech knows what he's doing more than the other 2. Thanks to your video I'm going to let him install the Kit. 🙏🏻
@ncooty
@ncooty Жыл бұрын
@1:48: You stated that the hard-start capacitor stores a charge for the next start, but at the time stamp, you can clearly see a bleed resistor. So, it appears to me as if that hard-start capacitor is acting as a current buffer at start and shut-off, not as a boost upon start-up. Am I misinterpreting what's shown at the time stamp?
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
No, you are just reading the videographer may have cut the film a little wrong. These are General videos for people looking for some knowledge, not those who already have it. Thank you for watching so closely
@olderman7166
@olderman7166 11 ай бұрын
ELI the ICE man. Voltage leads(by 90 degrees) current in an inductor. Current leads (by 90deg) Voltage in a capacitor. For every volt of potential stored in a capacitor there is a coulomb of charge stored a well. 1 coulomb of charge is equal to 1 amp. So if your start cap is charged to 240VAC there is 240amps of current availible to be discharged to the compressor. If you dont bleed that cap with a resistance you have welding level current available. Dont believe it? Charge a 1 Farad cap up to 24VDC and place a insulated screwdrver across the terminals. You will get a nice blue arc and a nice chunk of metal instantly vaporized for your screwdriver🤣
@bradleymorgan2409
@bradleymorgan2409 11 ай бұрын
Would you install a hard start kit on a air conditioner that is blowing one fuse periodically or change out the compressor under warranty? Thanks
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 11 ай бұрын
If unit is under warranty, then I would get it fixed. If that means the compressor, so be it.
@theMister07
@theMister07 11 ай бұрын
⁠whats the best hard start kit for a Ameristar 2 Ton a/c split system
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 11 ай бұрын
Any of them should work
@onlyulee866
@onlyulee866 Жыл бұрын
Can you use hard start on scroll compressor?
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
Yes
@asadandrew
@asadandrew Жыл бұрын
I have a Lennox 2 stage 1 seer 5 ton unit, the lights dim when it fires on, do I need a hard start kit? Can I even put one in on a 2 stage unit ?
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
It can take one, but it may not help that problem, depends on size of circuit needed and what you have, as well as power available to the house at the time
@bobboscarato1313
@bobboscarato1313 9 ай бұрын
If you live out in the country and you line to your home is more than 250 feet away, you may have a substantial voltage drop. I'm sure a hard start kit will help and make sure line can carry current for all your home needs like water pumps, etc.
@erixgar4117
@erixgar4117 Жыл бұрын
Does 5 2 1 kit works for a 2 1/2 tons system with not variable speed?
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
5 2 1 ?
@rruizproductions
@rruizproductions 10 ай бұрын
Yes. Make sure it’s for the correct tonnage.
@fldave612
@fldave612 Жыл бұрын
Will it void warranties on brand new equipment?
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
In 20 years, it never has for us
@fldave612
@fldave612 Жыл бұрын
@@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Awesome, thanks.
@chrissterling5950
@chrissterling5950 2 жыл бұрын
Will a hard start kit protect against a power surge?
@UltraHydrophobiccoat
@UltraHydrophobiccoat 2 жыл бұрын
No
@fattysgarage1754
@fattysgarage1754 Жыл бұрын
After the power would flicker here in south Florida during a storm, my new unit would take up to 4 hours to restart. By then it could be 90 degrees in the house. After I added the 5-2-1 hard start kit, it takes 5 minutes to start every time. That was 10 years ago and it still runs like new. So no it doesn’t protect it but it gets it going quickly.
@DF-te2vm
@DF-te2vm Жыл бұрын
The start capacitor doesn't STORE the energy, it allows more current to flow the 90 degree run circuit that then gives more torque to start the compressor. The run circuit only uses a couple of amps in normal running. The startup circuit adds a few more amps while starting
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
Your 2nd & 3rd sentence are very correct
@MrDpotts2
@MrDpotts2 Жыл бұрын
I found the problem. Not wiring but a dislodged plastic piece that should have opened the circuit to the hard start capacitor. Shoddy parts I would say.
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
I’m glad you were able to solve your issue
@mafosa8519
@mafosa8519 Жыл бұрын
Seems like the “hard start kits” just a faster acting cap.
@bobboscarato1313
@bobboscarato1313 9 ай бұрын
It stays in the system for just one second or two; only during system start-up!
@vbushert4101
@vbushert4101 Жыл бұрын
$350? I was just quoted over $625 to install one
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear that.
@rruizproductions
@rruizproductions 10 ай бұрын
Get another quote. The part is only around $50.
@bobboscarato1313
@bobboscarato1313 9 ай бұрын
That's for a life-time warranty for an installed hard start kit. lol.
@tad22560
@tad22560 7 ай бұрын
My company quoted me $700. I knew the cost of the part, so I told them to forget it.
@tripjet999
@tripjet999 Жыл бұрын
$300 - $350? A good hard-start kit costs $40-$70 retail and is simple to install.
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Жыл бұрын
The cost to run a business, hire and train technicians, put them in a van, stock that van, insure that van, and build this video so we can have this conversation are just a few of hundreds of items that have to be calculated into every single repair a service company has.
@eaglebill3738
@eaglebill3738 Жыл бұрын
@@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 Very well stated, it's very easy to condemn the high cost but it is expensive to run a quality business. That van also has to get to and from the service location, that costs money. The reality is if the customer could do it, they wouldn't be calling out a technician. Thank you for the quality videos.
@ramhaven2322
@ramhaven2322 Жыл бұрын
I had a new capicitor and hard start kit installed 212 bucks all in. You have to shop around, there are plenty of Heat and Air outfits around
@tripjet999
@tripjet999 11 ай бұрын
@@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 A restaurant ALSO costs a lot to run and has lots of overhead, but bacon and eggs won't usually set you back $100.00
@rruizproductions
@rruizproductions 10 ай бұрын
@@tripjet999Apples and oranges analogy.
@cigardock4834
@cigardock4834 8 ай бұрын
Thank you.
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363
@fireiceheatingandaircondit4363 7 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching
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