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+-- Thread: HVAC hard start (/showthread.php?tid=7377690)
HVAC hard start - meackerman - 01-15-2025
had my heater maintenance done today, they found that the outdoor unit an American Standard Gold series heat pump was drawing 134amps on startup when it should be pulling a little over 100.
They suggested a hard start be installed.
After they left, I got to thinking if its drawing that much over what it should be, isn't that indicative of some other problem? A hard start is just masking that issue?
or is a hard start the thing to do?
it seems to work just fine.
RE: HVAC hard start - crokett™ - 01-15-2025
what did they mean by hard start? have you seen my thread? is it the same thing? if so did they suggest a specific kit?
RE: HVAC hard start - meackerman - 01-15-2025
(8 hours ago)crokett™ Wrote: what did they mean by hard start? have you seen my thread? is it the same thing? if so did they suggest a specific kit?
hard start I think its a capacitor that takes the load? as opposed to a soft start that's used with generators.
I'm not exactly sure the difference between the two.
RE: HVAC hard start - blackhat - 01-15-2025
A hard start is essentially a big start capacitor and a relay to drop it out of circuit. It will increase the torque to get the compressor turning. They do solve a few issues and can extend the life of a compressor. If the unit starts fine now I don’t see the need. I have never used one as a precaution. I use them to get a few more years out of a system that has some issues.