The big benefit to installing the Easy Start is when having to run the HVAC system on a smaller portable generator during a power outage. A smaller portable generator may be able to handle the HVAC load but the lock rotor current draw might be too much for the smaller generator upon compressor start. If there is no concern for power outages then the Easy Start may be unnecessary. There should probably be some consideration of a benefit to the life of the HVAC system of an easy start with the Easy Start. Who really likes to hit the deck running. Installation was very thorough and easy to understand. Thanks.

Makes perfect sense not to hang it upside down the electricity will drain out of it.

this is my first comment ever, and the reason for it is, i was having an issue by following all the top videos that came out and my compressor would not start. i kept getting the 7 red led flashing. after watching this video and seeing how he looked at the ac diagram from his unit (almost identical to mine) i was able to troubleshoot my problem. all other videos are very generic including the one from micro-air. this guys actually traced the wires based on the diagram and i was able to correct my problem. i wish i could make this video the 1st one to come up when you search for this install. thank you diy hvac guy

I will be installing the same easy start model on a 3-ton unit this weekend. I have watched many easy start installation videos, and your explanation with the diagram is the most straightforward I have seen on KZfaq. Thank you for your expertise.

When turning on, my 2004 5-ton Goodman CLJ60-1 comperssor would rock the neighborhood with a sound uncannily similar to the opening notes of "Feelin' Satisfied" by Boston. My amp meter does not have the inrush function, but the MicroAir EasyStart app tells me that it now starts at around 41 amps, and runs at 18-19 amps. My lights no longer dim whenever it turns on, and is much quieter at start-up than before. All in all, I'm feelin' satisfied.

I installed mine a little over two years ago. Worked beautifully during Ian, where we lost utility power for 10 days. Was able to run my 3-ton, 16 seer with a Champion 8750W peak (7000W running) inverter generator. The BT is not the greatest. I wish it was wifi and had a better app. Wiring was no big deal. If the Sun hits it, it will fade the wire colors and and makes the plastic case brittle over time. Then add in the vibration. Keep that in mind. I mounted mine just like you show here, and, honestly, I would not mount this directly on the A/C unit next time.

I installed my micro air soft starter in September 2022 & have over 3,000 starts on it already. Works nicely & reduced my original 77 amps down to 23 amps. I had the chance to 1st use it with my champion 7kw portable generator when we lost power 3 weeks ago in my neighborhood for 6hs. It worked excellent with my generator In starting my AC!!! My Generator didn’t surge 1 bit when the AC kicked in to start 👍🏽 so glad I installed this piece of gear.

We A/C guys used to consider the small kit a soft start and the start capacitor with the start relay , a hard start kit . If you had a tight compressor , the small one might not get it going , or if you short cycled it without allowing pressures to equalize . Just new technology I guess and now that most everything has short cycle protection . Thanks for the great videos .👍

I wished more HVAC techs would drop videos, I’m an installer but really need to know service before I can start up myself. I graduated top of my class but not having a job in my trade during school set me back but I’ve now been employed 7 years in my field. I love watching videos that are thorough in what services are being rendered. I hope that makes sense & I’ll keep a lookout for the next video.

Did this over a year ago for the exact same reason and it works perfectly. I think all compressors should come with an easy-start board pre-installed. Gives the compressor a longer life.

This video was extremely helpful. Your a/c unit matched mine closely so the fittings and explanations made it super simple whereas other You Tube video's a/c units were different and required different fittings and hook-ups causing me a lot of frustration. You got a new subscriber.

Ive been looking at this very soft start, Thanks for the easy installation guide.

The compressor doesn't start with a bang after using this. That has to help the life of the compressor. It also protects against Brown outs, surges and momentary power interruptions. All those are hard on compressors too.

It works! Just installed it and tested with our generator! Smoother starting during normal operation and hopefully extends the life of our Condenser unit....

You did the right thing by installing the micro air. I installed one on my new centeral AC unit in April. Starting amps before was 65A. After installing 23.4 starting and 4.7 running Amps. Big difference. My unit has started 100 times since installing. Could not be happier. Keep up the great videos.

Change the contactor and capacitor while you're in there. My heat pump is 10 years old. I installed the Easy Start and then realized that the contacts on my contactor relay looked really pitted and burnt. A new contactor is only maybe $25 or so from repair clinic. With the reduced current draw I expect the new contactor will last forever. My startup isn't much quieter, but the start current went from 76 amps down to 26 amps peak at startup. I also fixed every loose panel on the thing so now it doesn't rattle the whole time it runs. Great product. No more flickering lights when the pump starts.

I purchased the same unit for my 3.5 ton AC. It was moderately easy to install. I really like the Bluetooth diagnostic app. And I like the diagnostic LED lights.

Good demonstration, I'll try this unit

Great demonstration!

I started using the micro-air soft start on one of my RV ACs. I live in the south and when traveling long distance, I will place a 2300W generator in the back of my truck and run a power cord to the from electrical hookup of my 5th wheel (all with velcro strapping to prevent the cord from accidentally dropping and dragging on the road). This generator provides AC power to the residential refrigerator, battery charger, and one of the AC units (13500BTU). This makes it very nice to go into the camper for a meal, bathroom, or even a nap. So after doing that for a few years, I decided to put one on my house AC. I have a 5500W generator for the house (was living in S. Louisiana at the time). The 5500W generator could sometimes start the central AC, sometimes not. I kept 3 window units in the shed and after a hurricane, I would put them in the windows and start one at a time on the 5500W generator. After installing the soft start on the house AC, the 5500W started the AC without even noticing. I'm sold!!! Moving ahead a few years, I inherited a 12.5kW portable generator (not very portable), and moved to Florida and a 2 story house with a heat pump for the second floor and AC/gas furnace for the 1st floor. I tested the 12.5kW generator on the whole house, without the soft start, and it started both AC units, but it knew they were starting. I ordered, and installed 2 soft starts (I mounted them to the wall. They come with plenty of cable.) The 12.5kW doesn't even flinch now. I also have a try-fuel kit on the 12.5kW kit so I can run gasoline/ propane/ natural gas. Gasoline will provide the most BTUs, meaning I get the most wattage from gasoline. Gasoline in a generator is a real pain to keep the carburetor clean, gas fresh, etc. Propane is the next efficient followed by natural gas. I prefer propane and a 30lb bottle will last about 8 hours and I have 3 bottles. If it looks like it will be longer than I have a propane supply for, I'll use the quick disconnect on the fuel hose and connect to the house natural gas. Never miss a beat as you should shut down and check the oil periodically anyways. My next experiment will be to use the 5500W generator on gasoline to see how that handles, or doesn't, now that the soft starts are in place. If it works, I'll order the tri-fuel kit for the 5500W generator. The 5500W generator uses half the fuel of the 12.5kW. After living in hurricane areas for most of my adult life, backups to backups is comforting!!! Most of this wouldn't be nearly as convenient without the MicroAir Soft Start. BTW, I'm an electronics tech by trade, and a bit of a DIYer. I haven't had an AC service tech do any work on my properties for over 20 years. The one company I did call, when we bought the house in FL, just to have the system gone thru, sent a tech that tried to sell us 2 new units, at $23,000 installed! Financing was available! I proceeded to waste 3 hours of his time letting him think that I was biting the bait. He never even took out a nut driver. I'll be getting my EPA cert shortly!!!!!! Thank you for making these videos. I have found them to be great reference and re-assurance for taking care of my own equipment.

these vids are amazing and so helpful thanks man!

Cool! I look forward to seeing a comparison of your electric bills, before and after!

HyperEngineering also makes a quality soft starter although without diagnostics so it does cost a bit less. Soft starters are very popular with the Solar Community since most inverters cannot provide the usual, inrush current.

This is Great video for during Power outage with this Micro Air Easy start in Summer time 👍👍

Great Video. Thank you for sharing

I have a 5-ton unit so I'm going to need the biggest model micro air they have available however I do see the benefits. Bookmark this video for when I'm ready to install it myself! Thank you for the video!

Thanks Bud... you are the best which is why I subscribed. We have a good A/C company that installs and services and they put in our two units. However, they are always suggesting "mods". We all know the base prices of these, so here goes... I was quoted $240 to replace a hard start capacitor, and get this, $1200 to install a soft start. We know this isn't rocket science, so I'll be placing the order shortly. I love my company, and the core units are warrantied for 10 years, but they won't be installing the soft start. I will. THANKS for this vid!!! [Postscript - Both installed and working like a charm!!]

Thank you for this video. I ordered one of these and the Firman, tri fuel generator from your other video. Going to run the gen on NG. I really appreciate all of the knowledge you’re sharing, it’s very helpful.

Great video, very easy to follow. Thanks for keeping some money in my pocket

Another great video and good advice.

Just put one of these on my house as well. However microair says that the decrease in starting amps is negligible on your power bill as the start up only last a few hundred microseconds. They say the true cost savings is in maintaining the system and sizing the generator.

I was thinking about getting one for my tube amplifiers! 😉

Thank you for the information.

It has Bluetooth as well (to see logs of what the soft start has been doing, first bunch of starts is learning so after it been running for more then 5 it should have learned to apply correct soft start load)

Looking forward to the generator video.

Lots of people running off grid solar use these too as inverters, especially high frequency ones, don't much like large inrush currents common with large inductive loads.

Awesome product!

My 3-ton scroll split system has the condensing unit at ground level and evap in the attic. In my climate, this unit sits idle for 9+ months, so the 1st start is always flooded, since the condensing unit is colder than the evaporator. The compressor noise on that 1st startup sounds painful and can't be good for the compressor, so last summer I installed a soft starter and it's amazing how well that works! 1st startup sound had hardly any of the previous clattering noise after sitting for so long. I didn't expect this to work as well as it does for flooded compressor startup.

Thanks for the video. For me, the jury is still out on this, but will definitely investigate it more. I did notice, however, a minor electrical code violation on the install. You cannot mix low-voltage wiring with line voltage wiring in the same box or enclosure, so bringing the line voltage leads of the Easystart in through the low-voltage thermostat wiring enclosure is a no-no.

Great video!!

My electrician recommended a hard start to me over the soft start. I also mentioned to him the type of generator I'd be using for a standby.

For those trying this make sure there’s no voltage in the capacitor as they store about 330v and it will feel weird if you touch it but take the disconnect off and leave everything the way it is for at least 30 seconds that should drain off the stored power in the capacitor. I also like the ease of being able to use this easy start off a generator as it makes it easier than having to install a transfer switch to the house to power the hvac. It’s also worth a mention to note which one to get so people don’t buy the wrong one as there is a slightly cheaper one for mobile/rv homes and I see some of these say 4.5 tons commercial/home but I have a 2.5 ton so would this cover that size? I do see all the voltages and models on the front sticker.

I'm having one installed in preparation for solar panels with battery backup. My Lennox AC has an RLA of 82 amps. That would overload the battery's capacity and trip its protection circuits. So am getting one now. My system really sounds horrible when it first starts up, as do all the units in my subdivision and we are a new subdivision less than 5 years old so all the HVAC systems are new.

I've really considered this, but my HVAC contractor says: "This falls under the category of it sounds good on paper but in practice, not so much. It will void any warranty you would have on the ac system. They would not work with variable capacity, modulating or dc voltage compressors at all without likely damaging the electrical components. Typically, units get a “hard start” installed as they age as the compressor needs the extra help trying to get started. Soft starts tend to overhead motor windings, leading to an early death of the compressor. While they may save you energy, when they destroy the compressor, that doesn’t save you any money in the long run."

Do yourself a favor and mount that on the wall.....that's going to be a pain when you need to get to the electrical components high and low voltage. Thanks for the good tips and video.

Great gadget!

I have a 4-ton (46,000 BTU) A/C unit. The compressor specs list a 109.0 LRA. I installed a Micro-Air EasyStart 368 (4-ton) Soft Starter ASY-368-X48-BLUE. After the EasyStart "learned" the unit after five starts, the AC unit now has a Start Peak of 33 to 36 Amps. I have seen a 42 amp start peak when connected to my 6900/5500 watt tri-fuel generator running natural gas. It will also connect to a smart phone App using Bluetooth. It shows that it has 25851 total starts.

I have been using my Micro-air for over a year now here in Florida. No issuses and I will say we had one hot summer last yaer. I plan on getting another just as a backup.

I have the Bluetooth model on my 3T residential and the regular model on my RV. No more bang on startups! They say a Honda 2800 will run the RV unit, but I have a different one. The Hondas have a few more cc's than mine. This would be perfect for residential with solar and battery backup..... But I'm content with longer life of my a/c.

The start winding is used to start the compressor under load of "High side" pressure, forcing a high current to flow as the "Run winding" is engaged through the relay and normal run current is applied to the compressor operation to circulate refrigerant in the system to cool the evaporator via a metering device in the "High side of the evaporator and returning refrigerant to the compressor through the suction side, completing the refrigeration cycle.

Looking forward to your next video. I can run my house through my interlocked generator but don't know how to run my AC since it doesn't run though my panel.

Electrical engineer here. Electric motors don't really have "inrush" current though lay people use this term all the time for motors. Electric motors have "locked rotor" current which is the proper term. Inrush current is more appropriately applied to power supply transformers.

It would have been interesting to see what the normal run amps are before and after. The INRUSH is the peak start up amps and it should have dropped down once the compressor started. So this thing will not likely safe you much money but it definitely will allow a much smaller generator to be able to handle the startup current.

FYI: You might want to try to call their tech support number before ordering one of these! Good luck with that!

Thanks god bless

You should do a video on the true cost of replacing a furnace and or Air Conditioning condenser. Specifically some of the tactics companies use like buy a furnace get a/c condenser free.. how is that possible without just overcharging for furnace price? And what the actual cost is for a furnace or air conditioner to know if we're getting ripped off or not, cost to replace and easily accessible air handler or one in the attic for example Just wondering if you'd break down some of the common tactics companies use when selling packages or furnace or condensers. Thanks

Good video one major correction: he was using the term common wire it's actually the compressor wire . kind of important a "common wire" is a neural wire. The "compressor wire" powers the you guessed it .

We really would like to see some generator use start ups and what size generator starts different size condensing units?

Love these. I need to . Any discount going thru you?

Question, does this soft start work on a AC/heat pump unit. I really enjoy your videos that you produced It is very educational. Unfortunately I’m a electrician by trade not a HVAC, you explain it very easy. Thank you so much. 5:18

Will this product work with a two stage compressor AC unit? I have a 5 ton Trane unit and planning on adding a generator soon. Glad KZfaq’s algorithm popped up your video. The funny thing is that the generator vendor never mentioned any product like this when sizing the whole-home generator.

If you’re installing a 20 SEER then it will be a variable speed and you won’t need to add this to it because they don’t have high inrush amps

I would liked for you to make some comparison comments on the ES vs a cheaper soft start cap.

These are very popular with rvers, it allows me to run my ac unit with a 2000 watt generator.

Hi, I'm about to purchase the Easy Start X48 and was wondering if the wires come pre-crimped or is that part of the DIY installation process? If so, then I'll have to buy a crimper and connectors too. Thanks for the info and your videos. Extremely helpful.

I ordered one for my 6T unit. Waiting for delivery hopefully it works like they say. Will have to figure out how to unwrire or disconnect the hard start, from what I understand they will not work in parallel with the hard start ?

Every HVAC guy I've asked about all the aftermarket bells and whistles haven't recommended them, exception being the company that was selling all of them.

When it comes to a hard start or a easy start, I'm guessing that an easy start reduces the inrush current a little more, but for a $300 difference in price, is a soft start that much better?

My Trane 4-ton package unit wiring is a little different from you split unit condenser unit. The model number is 4TCY4048B. It has two capacitors, a 10 mfd cap for the outdoor fan mounted on top of the unit, and a separate 70mfd cap for the compressor. The compressor cap has two terminals, neither one is labeled, but the wires are red on one side, and orange on the other side. Would you connect the EasyStart orange wire to that terminal?. Also, the contactor terminal, right side, has a red wire that I suspect feeds the run winding of the compressor, and also, taps from and feeds the red side of the compressor run capacitor. Is this the correct wire to splice onto the Easy Start brown wire, or do I need to use the other side of the contactor?

There are more than one device for this purpose. What , if anything, makes this one better than Spartan, Briida or SoftstartRV as these are less expensive.

I believe I have seen this device added to a solar powered AC system.

If you have a 5 ton Carrier Infinity communicating heat pump air conditioner that has five stages and lra of 37 amps would there be any benefit from this product? Likewise wondering about the other communicating or non communicating type air conditioners that ramp up slowly. I think Lennox, Bosch carrier, trane all have higher-end units with 2 or more stages. I just wasn't sure if this type product works on those or not. Does anyone know or have one installed on a non single stage heat pump?

This might be more important on a newer, more modern unit.

@The DIY HVAC Guy ... Is there anything you can do like this for window ac units, from small to larger, such as 6,000 -12,000?

Thanks for your videos, now you have one more subscriber to your channel. Ask. Can this device be installed on a heatpump?

Dave - is there a torque (inch/lbs) number for the screws on the connector? I figure those have to be good and snug but like within breaker panels, there might be torque recommendations. I've looked but don't see any.

Does my generator need a floating ground or neutral bonded when connected to inlet box to the breaker box?

If an outage has me desperate enough to break out the generator it's to power essentials like the fridge. Not the luxuries of the entire central A/C *and* HVAC system. And don't need a $XXX control board to diag a faulty $15 contactor or capacitor.

Will this easy start will work with any brand? I have Lennox ac unit thinking about installing this

Hello, I have a 3.5 ton ac as well let me ask you what wattage generator do you use? I just bought the predator 5000 watt generator and was wondering if it will be able to power my ac.

Just wondering if I install one for my condenser, will it or can it void my warranty. I have a Coleman unit that's 2 1/2 ton. I really want to because my LRA is 67.8A and I know it will bring it down a lot with the slow start.

Could it be used on a well? My AC unit draws 2400 W while running, my Well only draws 1500 While running. (I don't know how to calculate start up power draw(s).

What's the difference between the x48 and x72 does it matter which one you buy? I believe it is a 3 ton does it hurt if you go with the higher one the x72

I do not believe this will lower your electrical bill. It only effects the starting amp requirement. Right??

I have a RHEEM 4 ton that is 14 months old. Should i be considering this even though i also have a 13k dual fuel Duramax genny? I know for sure during tests the genny runs everything but is there any benefit to spend 350 on soft start just want to be sure as i live in miami -hurricane central.

Hey everyone here. This is a good how to video. Just one question. I’ve heard that this thing won’t work properly, i mean the amp drop not gonna change significantly if the ac has a txv. Could anyone explain it to me please, ill appreciate it.

I bought this Soft Start Already but Not yet install......To Go with my Generator Set-Up

So would you recommend installing an Easy start on a new AC unit to extend the life of the compressor?

Looking at my situation Sir do you feel a soft start can help my unit with RLA of 10.5 & LRA of 47? It’s a duo 2.5ton system setup unfortunately Or is its main purpose/function is use with generator? Which is a great feature!

This would only help in a situation where you were billed on peak demand. With smart meters, it's conceivable that will happen to residential accounts sooner or later.

Please update on da bill👍

How would this work on the AC for my camper.l boondock sometimes and with a generator l can run only one unit but living in south Mississippi l need both units to run to be comfortable. Do the Easy Start need to be install on both units or can l get by installing it on just one unit? My generator is a Yamaha 6300 inverter generator

Question: Can this soft start unit be installed if my a/c has a cycling device installed on it from our local power company?

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.

Wont you damage your AC unit in the long run if you’re reducing the amount of amps/power to it?

Did live amps drop any or same as before?

I wonder how well this works with a non-bleed expansion valve?

Your capacitor has 3 prongs. My capacitor of a trane 5 ton has 2 prongs only. A red and orange wire attached. How to tell which is the Herm? Thanks

So you can run a smaller amp circuit breaker on the house electrical panel? That is cool.

What size was the AC unit size you tested it on?