HVAC Contributor
When your house conditioning system has issues starting, hot summer days become even more problematic. A hard start kit can help you resolve this problem, but you must choose the best one for your AC compressor.
A worn-out AC compressor can start up more quickly with the aid of a hard start kit. Here are some of the top hard start kits available right now, in no particular order:
- CSRU1 Compressor Saver, CPS 5-2-1
- SPP6 Hard Start Kit by Supco
- RectorSeal 96506 Hard Start Kit for Kickstarting
- SPP6 Hard Start Kit by Antoble
- TJ90HS6 PartsBroz Air Conditioner Hard Start Kit
- HVAC Compressors Amrad TES5 Easy-Start 5 Hard Start Kit
Thankfully, you can add a hard start kit to your air conditioner to provide power backup! We will first discuss what a hard start kit is and when it should be used.
What Is A Hard Start Kit For An Air Conditioner?
When your AC compressor struggles to power the system and chill your home, as is the case with broken or worn-out compressors, a hard start kit enters the picture. These kits provide a temporary supplementary power source for your air conditioner so it may continue to operate at peak efficiency.
A hard start kit can help with AC starter issues, but if your cooling system has been in place for more than 10 years and has a broken compressor, you may need to replace it soon.
If you wish to delay replacing your compressor without running the danger of further harm to your cooling system, hard start kits are still very helpful.
Advantages Of A Hard Start Kit
The following are some benefits of installing a hard start kit.
Longer Compressor And AC Life
A compressor can be started nearly instantly with a hard start kit, which stops it from using extra energy or heating up. It lowers the damage as a result, extending the compressor and air conditioner’s lifespan.
Manufacturers advise adding hard start kits in all air conditioning systems, new or old, because of this benefit.
Lower Costs Of Cooling
When an air conditioner doesn’t operate at its best, it uses more energy than usual to chill a room. Your rates will probably rise as a result of the system turning on the AC compressor more frequently.
Even with a malfunctioning compressor, your air conditioner may maintain consistent electricity usage thanks to a hard start kit that reduces the energy required to activate the compressor.
Greater Effectiveness
When turning on an AC, a lot of power is required to start the compressor. Hard start kits lower the overall amount of electricity needed, enabling the system to use energy more efficiently.
A hard start kit can help with AC starter issues, but if your cooling system has been in place for more than 10 years and has a broken compressor, you may need to replace it soon.
Different Repair Approach
The cost of replacing an HVAC compressor, which is one of the most expensive cooling system components, can range from $800 to $2,400. As a temporary fix and supplementary preventive measure, hard start kits can help you save money if you’re on a limited budget.
6 Recommended Hard Start Kits for AC Compressors
Here is a brief summary of some of the best air conditioner compressor hard start kits, along with a list of their distinguishing characteristics.
CSRU1 Compressor Saver, CPS 5-2-1
One option that offers 5-2-1 technology at a reasonable price is the CPS compressor saver. It uses a multi-layer starting capacitor and smart switch to boost your compressor, enabling the gadget to start the compressor with confidence.
Key characteristics:
- Prolong the life of your compressor and other parts in an efficient manner
- During startup, there is a 50% reduction in damage.
- Lessens energy use
- It reduces energy bills and helps you save money.
SPP6 Hard Start Kit By Supco
Low starting torque single-phase air cooling and refrigeration equipment are compatible with the Supco hard start kit. According to the majority of reviews, it offers sound output, is simple to comprehend and install, and offers great value for the money.
Key characteristics:
- 2 Wire installation is simple
- Functions with PSC-type compressors
- Economic choice
RectorSeal 96506 Hard Start Kit For Kickstarting
The kit from RectorSeal has an original design and is a 2-wire hard start kit with pre-assembled starting parts that uses a mechanical potential relay. Without circuit boards, timers, or PTCR devices, it successfully supports compressors under various circumstances.
Key characteristics:
- Includes installation instructions for simple connections
- Top pick among manufacturers of HVAC equipment
- Ensures extension of compressor life
- It includes a start capacitor and a mechanical potential relay.
SPP6 Hard Start Kit By Antoble
The Antoble kit functions best with a variety of heat pumps and air conditioners. It contains a clamp holder, unlike other hard start kits, so you may attach it to wires if there isn’t enough room to mount it.
Key characteristics:
- Specifically made to work with a permanent split capacitor in single-phase systems.
- 500% 500% Increase in compressor starting torque
- Includes a start capacitor and a relay
- Simple wiring is required for easy installation.
TJ90HS6 PartsBroz Air Conditioner Hard Start Kit
Your system’s starting torque is increased by 500% and your AC unit can start roughly 50% faster thanks to PartsBroz AC hard start kit. For advice if you’re unsure about compatibility, get in touch with the manufacturer.
Key characteristics:
- Works with heat pumps and air conditioners
- Universal and simple to install
- Lifetime warranties and a full refund policy
- Simple DIY fixes
HVAC Compressors Amrad TES5 Easy-Start 5 Hard Start Kit
The majority of well-known hard start kit brands for refrigeration and air conditioning can be replaced with Amrad’s Easy-start kit. Although it doesn’t come with mounting hardware, it is renowned for being sturdy and easy to wire.
Key characteristics:
- No vent hole is necessary, and it doesn’t dry out.
- Performs on several equipments
- Aluminum housing is sealed to provide protection.
Who Needs A Hard Start Kit For An AC?
If any of the following circumstances exist, the majority advise homeowners to install hard start kits:
- Your AC should last longer.
- You notice issues with your AC compressor, especially when it first starts.
- Your AC’s starting efficiency at low voltage or high head pressure should be improved.
When there are serious issues, you may opt to replace or repair your cooling system to save money.
Installing a hard start kit on new air conditioning systems won’t do any harm. Early on, it can help your compressor’s condition, reducing the likelihood that your AC will experience problems in the future.
When Is A Hard Start Kit Useful?
You can address a power issue with your AC more quickly if you watch out for warning indications. Some warning signals that you might need to install a hard start kit are listed below.
The Circuit Breaker Tripped
When a compressor begins to wear down, it may trip your circuit breaker. If the cooling system’s motor is unable to supply enough power to turn on your compressor, it will draw more electricity and might trip your main circuit breaker.
The AC Lights Signal Power Problems
Your device’s lights can show whether something is right with it or wrong. Unusual light flickering could indicate an issue if you detect it. For more information on what it signifies, look up how to troubleshoot your device.
The AC Constantly Turns Off
Short cycling is when your HVAC system briefly functions before abruptly and repeatedly shutting off. Typically, electrical problems or other energy strain causes this.
You Notice Odd Noises Coming From The AC
Any type of noise coming from your air conditioner indicates a problem with one of its elements or a lack of electricity to operate other components. Although you can find the cause of the noise, it’s advisable to get in touch with an HVAC expert right away to have them take a look.
Final Reflections
For AC compressors, there are many excellent hard start kit models with a variety of features and pricing points. To guarantee that it functions effectively with your system, experts advise choosing the one that best suits your demands.
It’s also crucial to assess your cooling system to see if a hard start kit is necessary or if you should replace it entirely.
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