Air Conditioner Soft Start Device
 

Worthwhile?

If you have one, advantages/disadvantages?

Any noticeable a/c performance loss?

Related costs?

The one I saw was mounted inside the AC unit and would most likely void your warranty.

i belive its called a hard start capacitor for a problem motor.

A soft start device is mainly used to limit the compressors starting current surge when you have a generator or other backup power device. Other than that, there is no "real" benefit except to lighten the load when your compressor starts up which may extend it's life. I've also seen these soft start devices go bad causing the compressor to not start.

A hard start device is usually used when your compressor is on "its way out" to give it a little more life.

Start
 

jrref is spot on.

I have the Micro-Aire Easy Start. Jrref is correct. A hard start pushes more current to help an aging motor/compressor start which isn't good on the motor/compressor but if it will allow you to get by another few months or a year then it puts off the ultimate replacement cost of a new AC. It isn't good for a relatively new unit as high current can/will damage a motor/compressor. Will either save you money on electric costs - No. It will reduce the current to start the AC and will reduce the startup clunk noise. It may save money on helping your unit last longer and not have to be replaced sooner. My AC went from a startup current of 79 amps to 26 amps.

Check out the info on the easy start page.
Easy Start Soft Starter

I thought they were just for RV a/cs..... interesting that they go on home units too.

I think they’ve always done both. Better known probably for RV. That’s where I heard about them but never needed one in our rv.

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. That start capacitor costs $15 to replace if it fails. And it will likely fail at some time. It could be replaced like a lightbulb during your annual AC checkup. But your service supplier chooses to prefer waiting for failure and charging $300 to replace after failure or charge an unreasonable price during scheduled checkup. One screw to loosen, 3 pull off wires to remove and replace. A couple of minutes at most.

Ask your service supplier to replace next service call and see what they want for $15 part.
(probably less for them).

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.

If a soft start device will increase the life of the compressor, why does the manufacturer warrant the compressor for 10 years and not install a soft start device in their condenser unit?

Very few compressors will fail from normal use within the warranty period. But the EasyStart will probably add another 5 to 10 years to the life of the compressor. Since most home owners have been told that compressor only last 10-15 years, they just expect it is a normal expense that they will have to incur. So why would the manufacturer or the dealer promote a device that will reduce their profits?

I have installed one and am thrilled by it. Not only will your compressor last much longer it will also significantly reduce the startup noise(which means less wear on the motor).
You will always have naysayers on TOV, so I recommend watching this video for the best description on the benefits and how to install.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDp1g8r8IVs

Most RVs need it for camping grounds due to the max current limitations. It also has excellent solid state protection against electrical faults like single phasing.

Question: It looks like you are changing the wiring inside the condenser unit. How does this affect the manufacturer's 10-year compressor warranty?

It is simple.
Contact the manufacturer or dealer and ask if they can get approval or provide written confirmation that the soft start will not void the warranty. They will most likely have to install it to protect the warranty. But once outside the warranty it is a no brainer.

Soft starts or VSDs are usually an option on new compressors these days.