[jrref]

I'm pretty sure if you DIY and add one of these you void the warranty but then again I've seen some electrical contractors who install generators and add the soft start because it's necessary, so maybe there is a way around it.

When your single stage system eventually fails and needs replacement get one of the inverter variable speed systems which is the same technology as the mini splits everyone is installing then you don't need to worry about this problem.

[RoboVil]

I looked at getting one for my non-Villages house when I was considering a whole-house generator. The HVAC guy recommended strongly adding one. Said they malfunction often. So, I didn't.

[JRcorvette]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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

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

[ithos]

A note of caution. I purchased mine before they designed a newer one that was "one size fits all." There are some threads on Reddit that talk about it. Or try this google search micro air easy start "hvac-talk.com".

The newer design had issues according to Reddit threads(B34). They apparently fixed it in the B36 version. If concerned I would check different sites for feedback or purchase one from the manufacturer.

[JRcorvette]

A soft start system ramps up your AC unit slowly in stages so that there is no voltage spike at start up. This will make it possible for you to run your AC unit on a relatively small generator which could come in very useful should a storm cause an extended power outage. The unit cost a few hundred dollars and is relatively easy to install. There are may YouTube videos on it. Or you can have your AC service company do it. Make sure you buy one that is rated for the size of your AC.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by RoboVil

I looked at getting one for my non-Villages house when I was considering a whole-house generator. The HVAC guy recommended strongly adding one. Said they malfunction often. So, I didn't.

That's the problem, they do malfunction more than you would think. But maybe some of the newer ones are more reliable.

[Topspinmo]

IMO the fan bearings going fail long before winding? Wouldn’t that be similar capacitor than in squirrel cage? It seems to wind up slower than fan on outside unit? Or is it the amount of air the squirrel cage pushes? When storm comes and power outage I’m more concerned with refrigeration units, but guess it you have generator big enough to run why not?

[ithos]

I believe that far more MicroAir easy starts are purchased by RV owners than home owners. I recommend checking RV sites for more information.

[metoo21]

Originally Posted by ithos

......so I recommend watching this video for the best description on the benefits and how to install.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDp1g8r8IVs

That is a great video. I've watched it several times the past before I bought the easy start.

[metoo21]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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

You really only "move" 1 wire to connect it to the easy start. No effect on warranty on my carrier unit anyway. I've had the annual service from Sunshine the last 3 years and they have all said the easy starts are great units.

I DIY'd mine. Very easy to install.

[metoo21]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

IMO the fan bearings going fail long before winding? Wouldn’t that be similar capacitor than in squirrel cage? It seems to wind up slower than fan on outside unit? Or is it the amount of air the squirrel cage pushes? When storm comes and power outage I’m more concerned with refrigeration units, but guess it you have generator big enough to run why not?

It's not really there to protect the fan motor. It is there to protect the compressor motor. That is what draws all of the amps.

[metoo21]

Originally Posted by jrref

That's the problem, they do malfunction more than you would think. But maybe some of the newer ones are more reliable.

Easy to tell if it malfunctions. It is connected to an app by bluetooth with diagnostics. And should you need to, you can disconnect it from the AC unit and put that 1 "moved" wire back until you get the easy start replaced.

[drducat]

Yes will double the life of your unit. With the cost of heat pump air units being so high the $350 for the easy start is cheap ...will save you thousands of $

[jrref]

Originally Posted by drducat

Yes will double the life of your unit. With the cost of heat pump air units being so high the $350 for the easy start is cheap ...will save you thousands of $

Doubling the life would be true if you installed the device when your unit was new and all you had to worry about was the compressor. There are lot's of other stuff that will go bad to end the units life normally. So, will this device extend the life of your condensor, probably yes but there is no way to know for how long since the compressor can fail for many reasons other than start-up wear and tear.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by jrref

Doubling the life would be true if you installed the device when your unit was new and all you had to worry about was the compressor. There are lot's of other stuff that will go bad to end the units life normally.

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.