I do think that is a good idea. A 5-2-1 hard start capacitor kit is about $50 and a easy DYI project. If you can change a capacitor you can easily install the hard start kit yourself. Many YouTube videos on this. I DYI’d installed a hard start kit on my HVAC last month. Many higher end condenser units come with hard start capacitors installed at the factory.

Apparently heat and voltage spikes are the 2 main factors which take out capacitors prematurely. Though it looks to me a HVAC surge protector, whose main function is to protect the compressor, is also not a difficult DYI item to install on your outside 240V disconnect, and I presently don’t have one on my unit, I’m going to have a electrician install one for me. I know I can do it myself I just don’t like messing with 230/240 volts. I need to get a electrician to the house for another job figured I’d just let them install one for while they are here for the other job. Here is a video I watched a couple days ago on this - this guy is a HVAC company owner in FL and a licensed electrician. LINK

Also many recommend that a surge protector be installed on the HVAC even if you have a whole house surge protector as many surges can originate internally within the house bypassing the whole house surge protector.

No recommendation on the Halo - don’t know enough about them.

This post was edited on 7/30/20 at 12:58 pm

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Posted by tigers444

Member since Jun 2009

3083 posts

Posted on 7/30/20 at 5:11 pm to CrawDude

I'm pretty handy so I think I should be able to figure it out...at least the hard start capacitor kit. But I also have some friends that are (or know) of some electricians that may be able to help if I need. I will probably get both the kit and the surge protector done elsewhere after I do more research and if I think I can DIY.

Thanks for the info!