Summer just pressed the air conditioning switch, you hear the “buzz” sound but no cooling, not a few seconds after the home electric switch also tripped — this is a lot of homeowners have encountered a bad scene.
In fact, the probability of these problems and the air conditioning compressor starting difficulties, and a small “hard starter” can be easily solved. Today in layman’s terms, to take you to understand the ins and outs of the hard starter, to see if it is your home air conditioning “savior”.
What Is a Hard Start Kit?
Simply put, the hard starter is to the air conditioning compressor “power boost” of the small device, the volume is not large, but hides two key components: the storage of electrical energy “start capacitor” and the control circuit “potential relay “.
You can think of it as a car’s “emergency power supply”, when the air conditioning compressor wants to “start work”, it will release a stream of instantaneous electrical energy, to help the compressor easily overcome inertia, smooth operation.
The air conditioning compressor is like the “heart” of the air conditioner, requiring several times more power to start than during normal operation.
Especially when the compressor of an old air conditioner is “old”, or the voltage at home is unstable, it is easy to have a “weak start” situation. The core function of a hard starter is to reduce the burden on the compressor when it starts, so that it doesn’t have to “work as hard as it can” to get started.
How a Hard Start Kit Works
No need to dwell on the complex circuit principle, we use the “three steps” can be understood:
- Powerful start: the moment you turn on the air conditioner, the hard starter responds quickly, the start capacitor instantly releases the reserve power to provide the compressor with a strong initial power, so that it can easily overcome the high resistance at startup, and quickly enter the operating state.
- Intelligent regulation: the potential relay plays the role of intelligent monitoring, continuously tracking the compressor speed changes. When the compressor reaches the rated speed and enters the stable working state, it will precisely cut off the power supply line of the starting capacitor, effectively avoiding the ineffective loss of power.
- Stable continuation: thereafter, the air conditioner relies on the operating capacitor to maintain smooth operation, the entire start-up process is efficient and smooth, to ensure that the equipment for long-term stable operation.
From the point of view of the circuit structure, the compressor has three key terminals (common terminal C, operating terminal R, start terminal S), hard starter start capacitor and potential relay will be accurately connected to these terminals, with the air conditioning thermostat, overload protector and other components, to ensure that the process of startup safety, but also to avoid overloading the circuit.
Why Would You Need a Hard Start Kit for Your AC
If your air conditioner has the following performance, it means that the compressor has been in the “hard carry” start, it is time to consider installing a hard starter:
- Frequent tripping: In the height of summer, whenever you press the air conditioning start button, the electric switch will be sound tripping, sweltering heat and irritability as shadow. Detected by a professional electrician, it is the voltage is insufficient, the compressor starts instantly, the current like a wild horse soaring, far beyond the circuit load limit. The installation of the hard starter, just like the current loaded with “tame the reins”, since then the tripping problem disappeared, cool and cozy to always be with you.
- Starting noise: when the moment the air conditioner is turned on, if the device issued a “buzz” or “click click click” abnormal sound, and a few seconds before the start of refrigeration, which is the compressor start blocked the danger signals. At this time, you should immediately stop using, and timely maintenance to avoid more serious equipment failure.
- Lights flicker: When the air conditioner starts instantly, the lights at home suddenly darkened significantly and even frequent flickering, this is because the compressor will instantly consume a large amount of electricity when starting, there is a “power grabbing” phenomenon. If this situation persists for a long time, it may cause irreparable damage to the entire home circuit system.
- Short cycle operation: The air conditioner starts and stops frequently and never completes a full cooling cycle. This not only leads to a significant increase in power consumption, but also accelerates the wear and tear of the compressor, significantly shortening the service life of the air conditioner.
- Over-age service: When an air conditioner is used for more than 5 years, the performance of the compressor will gradually deteriorate and the starting resistance will increase significantly. At this time, the installation of hard starter is undoubtedly an effective means to extend the service life of the air conditioner.
Benefits of Installing an AC Aard Start Kit
Extend The Life of Compressor
Compressor as the “heart” of the air conditioner, the wear and tear at the moment of startup accounts for 70% of the total wear and tear of its entire life cycle. Under the traditional start-up method, the compressor needs to overcome huge resistance to run, like letting an old man in the case of no handrail quickly up and down the steep stairs, the wear and tear on the components is very great.
The hard starter is like installing a solid handrail for the elderly, by reducing the mechanical stress and current impact during startup, the compressor runs more smoothly, effectively extending its service life by 3 – 5 years. For example, the cost of replacing the compressor for a medium to high-end air conditioner is usually $2,000 – $5,000, and the use of a hard starter can significantly reduce this high maintenance cost.
Avoid Circuit Damage
In the peak electricity consumption or low voltage environment of old neighborhoods, the instantaneous current of air conditioner startup can be up to 6 – 8 times that of normal operation, as if an “overload burden” has been applied to the wires and sockets for a short period of time.
This continuous high load impact will accelerate the line insulation layer aging, metal contact oxidation, and in serious cases, even triggered a short-circuit fire. The hard starter reduces the starting current by 30% – 50% by optimizing the starting current waveform, just like installing a “safety valve” to the circuit system, effectively protecting the wires, sockets, distribution boxes and other equipment at home, and reducing the risk of electrical fires.
Save Electricity
The instantaneous power consumption of an air conditioner at startup is staggering. A single startup consumes power equivalent to 10 – 15 minutes of normal operation, and frequent startups can cause the meter to “spin like crazy”. A hard starter dramatically cuts “peak power consumption” by quickly establishing a steady state of operation, reducing start-up time from about 5 seconds to 2 – 3 seconds.
Take a 1.5 hp (about 1.1 kW) air conditioner as an example, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, in the U.S., if the average household starts up 10 times a day, the use of a hard starter can save about $15 – $25 a month in electricity costs, or nearly $300 a year.
Improve Cooling Efficiency
When the compressor is difficult to start, the air conditioner will have a “delayed cooling” phenomenon, even if it runs for half an hour, the room temperature is difficult to drop to the set temperature.
A hard starter helps the compressor get up and running quickly and efficiently, improving the air conditioner’s cooling response time by 40% – 60%. At the same time, it can optimize the refrigerant circulation system to avoid local uneven cooling, so that every corner of the room can be cooled evenly, so as to say goodbye to the embarrassing experience of “ice and fire”.
Reduced Operating Noise
When a traditional air conditioner starts up, the instantaneous high load operation of the motor is often accompanied by ear-splitting “buzzing” sound and vibration, which seriously affects the quality of life.
Hard starter adopts soft start technology to make the motor accelerate smoothly, reducing the start-up noise from 60 – 70 dB to 40 – 50 dB, equivalent to changing from noisy street noise to the volume of a soft conversation. Whether you’re taking a lunch break or sleeping late at night, you’ll no longer be disturbed by air conditioning noise.
Eliminate Tripping
The current impact during the startup of a high-power air conditioner can easily trigger the overload protection of the air switch in your home, especially when multiple appliances are in use at the same time, and frequent tripping is annoying.
By precisely controlling the starting current below the air switch tripping threshold, the hard starter ensures stable operation of the circuit even when air conditioners and water heaters are turned on at the same time during peak hours, so you can say goodbye to the nuisance of repeated tripping.
Improve Home Comfort
Unstable startup process will cause the air conditioner to start and stop frequently, and the indoor temperature will go up and down, which is as uncomfortable as riding a “roller coaster”.
The hard starter ensures stable operation of the air conditioner and reduces temperature fluctuations, increasing the accuracy of room temperature control to ±0.5℃. At the same time, it also optimizes the wind speed and direction adjustment to avoid the discomfort caused by direct blowing, creating a constant temperature and comfortable home environment for you.
Potential Drawbacks of Hard Start Kits
Although hard starters have many benefits, they are not foolproof, there are two key points to note:
Compatibility Issues
not all air conditioners are suitable for installation! Some new air conditioners come with a similar start-up aid themselves, and additional hard starters may interfere with each other or even affect the warranty. Be sure to read the air conditioner manual first, or consult the brand after-sales;
Installation Risk
Hard starters require precise connection of the compressor terminals and selection of the right capacitor specifications. If you just install it yourself, it may cause the compressor to overload and burn out, or even cause a circuit fire.
Previously, there are homeowners trying to save trouble to install themselves, the result is not only did not fix the air conditioning, but also have to spend thousands of dollars to repair the compressor.
Selecting the Right Hard Start Kit
Hard starter is not a “one-size-fits-all” universal product, and it’s important to choose the right model:
Prioritize The Original Parts
first check the installation manual of the air conditioner, be sure to prioritize the manufacturer’s specified model of the hard starter.
The original parts have been rigorously tested and adapted to maximize compatibility with the air conditioning system, which not only gives the best starting performance, but also reduces safety risks caused by mismatched parts and avoids the trouble of frequent subsequent repairs.
Points for Selecting Sub-factory Parts
If you can’t get the original parts, you need to focus on the “Farad number” of the starting capacitor when selecting alternatives. This parameter determines the size and duration of the starting current, which must be matched with the compressor specifications, otherwise the capacitor will be too small to start difficulties, and too large to overload the current, damaging the compressor structure and shortening the service life.
Different Types of Applicable Scenarios
hard starters are mainly potential relay type and PTC type. The former has precise current control and is suitable for air conditioners equipped with thermal expansion valves (TXV), which require high starting flow and pressure control; the latter has a simple, low-cost and stable structure and is more suitable for air conditioners with capillary tube throttling.
Ordinary users do not need to keep these technical details in mind, and when they encounter problems, they can contact a professional repairer and use their experience and tools to choose the right type.
The safest thing to do is to have a professional HVAC technician come to your home and check it out. They will recommend the best hard starter for your home’s air conditioner based on its make, model and age, as well as your home’s voltage, and will also make sure that it is installed properly.
Conclusion
hard starter is small, but can effectively solve the air conditioning startup noise, tripping and other problems, but also can extend the compressor life, energy saving, is a cost-effective accessories. But it is not everything, and is strictly prohibited from self-installation. If the air conditioner starts abnormally or trips frequently, it is recommended to contact a professional HVAC team for professional diagnosis and installation to give full play to its efficiency and ensure stable operation of the air conditioner.
