NGC -AC compressor saver

[slowmover]

AC annual inspection tech says I need a 5-2-1 compressor saver installed for 320$. Is he fishing for money ? The unit is over 10 years old.

[RinkRat II]

      Please explain what the hell he's talking about. Haven't heard of this wonder device.

      Paul B

[antmanbee]

Just a guess, but I think he is referring to a capacitor pack that lets the compressor get some extra energy to start easier.

[blu guzz]

I just had an A/C tech to my house today.  I have 2 units that are over 12 years old.  One unit had its capacitor replaced a few seasons ago and that was around $400.  Today, the 2nd unit had a slow start module installed for a little over $200.  When tested, the unit was drawing 88 amps to start or about 30% beyond normal.  A/C units age just like us.  I would rather pay now to get a longer service life than replace a compressor any sooner than absolutely necessary.

[RinkRat II]

 Okay, I did my home work and found that this is a " hard start" Kit. The premise sounds good on the surface, however if you know the microfarads or rating of the existing capacitor you can up-rate the existing capacitor and accomplish the same thing.  If you use a trusted tech they will tell you the same thing. Hard start kits were originally for OLD units, mostly R-12 with high head pressure on startup and became a sales tool to make money. My $.02

    Paul B

[Kiwi_Roy]

It might be a Start capacitor, sometimes a single phase motor uses a capacitor to create a rotating field

[Mike Tashjian]

Some AC units will draw a huge amount when started.  My buddy was asking how a wire rated for say 20 amps could have a AC unit plate requiring a 40 or 50 amp breaker.  He was told the units rating plate will specify what wire and breaker will be used.  He was told that reduces nuisance trips of high start amps and will not harm the wire used. 

[guzziart]

A few years ago our 6 year old ac quit working.  The house breakers weren't tripped nor the fuses blown in the outlet box outside.  From what I could determine at the time the capacitor could have failed.  Since none of my VOM's (yeah, I have a few) had a capacitance test feature I ran out and bought a Klein Tool MM600 for about $60 as I recall.  I checked the cap with my new tester and BINGO....the cap was DOA.  I then hopped back into the car and headed over to the local HVAC joint for a new cap.  The new capacitor was about $12.
In retrospect, had I known a replacement capacitor was about $12, I don't think I would have bought the Klein Tool MM600.

Keep Kool!

Art 

[dguzzi]

   That is the answer!! Ding Ding!!!