[CosmicTrucker]

Yes, I installed one on my Carrier 2.5-ton unit for two reasons.
1: So I could easily power the A/C with a portable generator.

2: To reduce the startup noise of the unit.

My unit was very loud at startup and it made sense to me if it could be started with a lower current then hopefully this would extend the life of the compressor.
I've been running it for about a year and see no negative impact.

EasyStart™ Flex: Soft Start AC Home Starter

– Micro-Air, LLC

[SpartanMark]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

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).

You forgot to mention to disconnect power to the unit.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by ithos

Everything on the condenser can be repaired for relatively little money with the exception of the compressor.

Fans are cheap and is a DIY. Repairing freon leaks may be an exception but that is half day charge.

Generally I would agree with you but there is so much on an old unit that can cause the compressor to fail which is why I was commenting on this device "doubling the life of the compressor". Generally these soft start devices are installed to lower the start-up current if you have installed a generator or some other alternate power source. I know they may extend the life of the compressor but doubling it or any fixed extension, there is really no way to tell. They are also good to quiet down the condensor giving your neighbor some relief if their bedroom window is near your unit. If you really want to extend the life of your condensor besides the soft start you also might want to install the Rectorseal 96424 Surge Protector RSH-50 VRMDC with Breaker Model: RSH50VRMDC. The RSH-50 VRMDC KIT combines the VRM60A, RSH-50, & 60A disconnect breaker in a NEMA 3R enclosure, for an all-in-one equipment solution. The RSH-50 uses Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) Technology along with Thermally Fused Metal Oxide Varistors (TMOV) for ultimate protection. It also disconnects the power on a brown-out or high voltage event protecting the condensor.
RectorSeal RSH-50 VRMDC KIT - AC Unit Surge Protector

Also, last I looked, If you are an original owner then you get the 10 year warranty on the compressor and related parts. For subsequent homowners, its 5 years.

On my new Carrier Infinity Greenspeed, the warrenty is now fully transferrable.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by jrref

Generally I would agree with you but there is so much on an old unit that can cause the compressor to fail which is why I was commenting on this device "doubling the life of the compressor". Generally these soft start devices are installed to lower the start-up current if you have installed a generator or some other alternate power source. I know they may extend the life of the compressor but doubling it or any fixed extension, there is really no way to tell. They are also good to quiet down the condensor giving your neighbor some relief if their bedroom window is near your unit. If you really want to extend the life of your condensor besides the soft start you also might want to install the Rectorseal 96424 Surge Protector RSH-50 VRMDC with Breaker Model: RSH50VRMDC. The RSH-50 VRMDC KIT combines the VRM60A, RSH-50, & 60A disconnect breaker in a NEMA 3R enclosure, for an all-in-one equipment solution. The RSH-50 uses Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) Technology along with Thermally Fused Metal Oxide Varistors (TMOV) for ultimate protection. It also disconnects the power on a brown-out or high voltage event protecting the condensor.
RectorSeal RSH-50 VRMDC KIT - AC Unit Surge Protector

Also, last I looked, If you are an original owner then you get the 10 year warranty on the compressor and related parts. For subsequent homowners, its 5 years.

On my new Carrier Infinity Greenspeed, the warrenty is now fully transferrable.

I have replaced the contactor and capacitor(made in USA). Now if the fan fails the HPCO should take it out. If the sensor is bad then it may kill compressor unless the MicroAir senses abnormal current which I believe it does.
Reducing the peak inrush current by 50% or more will significantly extend the life of the compressor. Lower current will reduce insulation breakdown and stress on bearings and other components. The surge protector is a good idea.
Now if the evaporator has a leak that can't be repaired then you are screwed unless you can find a replacement. That will be unlikely since 410A equipment is no longer in production. You will have to replace the whole system.

[Graspher]

I installed a micro air easy start flex unit on a 5 ton carrier system a couple of months ago. The “bang” has disappeared.

My main reason for installing is so I can use AC when on a portable backup generator.

I’m in the process of connecting a Westinghouse 18,000 watt tri-fuel gen to my panel fueled by NG.

The micro air will allow me to power everything in my home except for washer/dryer.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by JRcorvette

You are totally wrong! Why make comments when you do not know what you are talking about?

Apparently, you know more about HVAC warranties than Carrier does. I asked them the question, and here was their reply:

"That’s a great question—whether or not adding a soft start device affects the warranty can depend on a few installation-specific factors. Because of this, we recommend discussing it directly with a licensed dealer or installer. They’ll be able to evaluate your system setup and confirm what’s permitted under warranty guidelines."

Nathaniel
Product Registration Team
Customer Care Center

[ithos]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Apparently, you know more about HVAC warranties than Carrier does. I asked them the question, and here was their reply:

"That’s a great question—whether or not adding a soft start device affects the warranty can depend on a few installation-specific factors. Because of this, we recommend discussing it directly with a licensed dealer or installer. They’ll be able to evaluate your system setup and confirm what’s permitted under warranty guidelines."

Nathaniel
Product Registration Team
Customer Care Center

This is a grey area so better safe than sorry. If under warranty I would get a pre approval and then schedule a routine inspection by a tech so that proper operation could be documented.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by ithos

This is a grey area so better safe than sorry. If under warranty I would get a pre approval and then schedule a routine inspection by a tech so that proper operation could be documented.

I agree, but that seems to preclude a DIY installation.

[jrref]

I think what most are missing is working on your HVAC system as a DIY project will void the warranty. But do DIY folks change capacitors and contactors? Sure and most of the time there is no problem making a warranty claim. But installing a soft or hard start device yourself for example, and then trying to make a warranty claim on the compressor will probably be a no-go because they will say "how do we know the device you installed didn't ruin the compressor". On the other hand, If you had a soft start device installed by a "Authorized" Technician, whatever that means, then you will probably be OK. At the last hurricane expo here in the Villages I saw many companies saying they needed to install the soft start device if you purchased their generator and wanted to put the A/C on the generator so there has to be a work around when installing this device and maintaining your warranty.

In addition to this question another one comes to mind. If you don't maintain you HVAC system by a "Qualified" HVAC company do you void the warranty? You can 100% clean your inside and outside coils, measure and replace the capacitors, contactor, maybe even chang a fan motor for example but how is a DIYer going to put gages on the condensor and then take it a step further if it needs refrigerant, how can you buy it without a license? I don't think you can.

So, here is an example, DIYer goes and somehow gets the refrigerent and trys to fix his or her system that's not cooling enough.They feel it just needs more freon so they add it. Now the system is overcharged and the compressor is working harder or liquid is getting into the compressor and "flooding" it. The compressor then prematurely fails. Is Carrier going to give you a warranty compressor after you caused it to fail? I can go on and on but I think everyone gets the point. I think when you buy a new system, part of the cost of owning the system is having a HVAC company come once a year and maintain it. You can probably lessen the cost by checking the capacitor before they come and change it out yourself and the same if the contactor went bad but other than a few DIYer maintenance items you have to rely on the HVAC company. Once your warranty is up then "go at it", do whatever you want and let us know how it turns out.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I agree, but that seems to preclude a DIY installation.

Definitely would get approval in writing. But since it extends the life of the compressor, then they shouldn't have a problem with it. Easy Start has solid state controls that will trip the unit if there are any abnormalities. Can't find any reports of where the compressor was damaged by its malfunction.

Typical warranty:
Failure, damage or repairs due to faulty installation, misapplication, abuse, improper servicing, unauthorized alteration or improper operation.
Parts or equipment not supplied or designated by Company, or damages resulting from their use.

https://www.shareddocs.com/hvac/docs...C454-01WAR.pdf

[jrref]

Originally Posted by ithos

Definitely would get approval in writing. But since it extends the life of the compressor, then they shouldn't have a problem with it. Easy Start has solid state controls that will trip the unit if there are any abnormalities. Can't find any reports of where the compressor was damaged by its malfunction.

Typical warranty:
Failure, damage or repairs due to faulty installation, misapplication, abuse, improper servicing, unauthorized alteration or improper operation.
Parts or equipment not supplied or designated by Company, or damages resulting from their use.

https://www.shareddocs.com/hvac/docs...C454-01WAR.pdf

I think the Unathorized Alteration is the catch-all for what we are talking about.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by ithos

Definitely would get approval in writing. But since it extends the life of the compressor, then they shouldn't have a problem with it. Easy Start has solid state controls that will trip the unit if there are any abnormalities. Can't find any reports of where the compressor was damaged by its malfunction.

Typical warranty:
Failure, damage or repairs due to faulty installation, misapplication, abuse, improper servicing, unauthorized alteration or improper operation.
Parts or equipment not supplied or designated by Company, or damages resulting from their use.

https://www.shareddocs.com/hvac/docs...C454-01WAR.pdf

Who would give you this approval in writing? If I were just a dealer or installer, I wouldn't.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Who would give you this approval in writing? If I were just a dealer or installer, I wouldn't.

They may not so you won't be able to install one until the warranty is over. No harm in seeking authorization is there?