HVAC question: Hard Start kit

You want a soft start not a hard start

I’d suggest an AmRad Hard Start Kit - made in the USA- and they make excellent Capacitors. Couple options with the attached link & videos on install of each - very easy. In fact, I’d suggest if you add a hard start, at the same time also replace your existing run capacitor, if foreign made, with an AmRad dual run capacitor and keep the old one as a spare. You can order these on Amazon.

LINK

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AmRad Hard Start Kit

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Given that his issue is with the lights dimming when the compressor kicks on, wouldn't a soft start be the solution?

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Given that his issue is with the lights dimming when the compressor kicks on, wouldn't a soft start be the solution?

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A soft start would certainly the “better” option but also 6 to 7 times more expensive. And of course if the OP also wanted to run the HVAC on a larger portable generator then a soft start would be warranted.

But I do think on an older unit where the compressor is drawing more amps with age that a hard start capacitor might likely solve the issue of voltage drop/ lights dimming when the compressor kicks on at a lower cost than the soft start. I’m not a HVAC tech, electrician or electrical engineer but if I’m wrong the board has some posters like bapple, etc. can correct me.

I installed an AmRad hard start on my old HVAC system and it certainly reduced the noise on the compressor on start up (I didn’t have a dimming lights issue) but when I changed out my HVAC system a couple years ago I installed a MicroAir soft start to be able to run the unit on a portable generator. I think the MicroAir soft starts are running about $400, AmRad hard start about $65.

Keep that ‘95 running as long as possible because all the new stuff is energy efficient garbage.

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Man that blew my mind… School me on why I should have a hard or soft start? 2400 square foot house. (1) 5 ton unit

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You don’t need either for day to day operation of a HVAC, but both can potentially extend the life of a HVAC compressor.

If you wanted the option of running a non-variable speed 240 V compressor (single stage) HVAC during long term power outages with a larger portable generator then a soft start kit would very likely be necessary. It reduces the initial (inrush) amperage required to start the compressor as well as reducing the running amperage - the main power draw on a generator- and it has other benefits.

In contrast a hard start capacitor provides an additional “surge of power” to help start a HVAC compressor (again, single stage 240 volt non-variable speed compressor) which can be very helpful for an aging HVAC compressor that tends to draw more starting amps with age.

Couple short videos to help explain

Soft Start vs Hard Start - What’s the Difference

Hard Start Kits - What’s are they and do you need one

And if you are a HVAC nerd (lol) and want to watch a movie length video on the difference & merits of both the HVAC School Y/T channel has this video but it focuses on soft starts.

Hard Starts vs Soft Starts