Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - Air Conditioner Soft Start Device
View Single Post
 
Old 06-26-2025, 09:21 PM
metoo21 metoo21 is offline
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 435
Thanks: 8
Thanked 317 Times in 138 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mtdjed View Post
Don't all Home ACs have a Start Capacitor which is by design to provide that extra fan, compressor startup power requirement. The equipment by design has capability and need for that extra startup surge.
Yes and most motors utilize capacitors even ceiling fans. But a soft start ramps up the power and thus allows for a lower amp startup causing less stress on the compressor. A soft start is somewhat pricey and manufacturers are all about lowering costs. Even if you have to soon buy new equipment because their design puts unneeded stress on the components.

Hard starts are about $15 it you want to further stress you unit. Again hard starts do have their place to hopefully give a little more life to an aging unit.