HVAC hard start

[meackerman]

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.

[crokett™]

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?

[meackerman]

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.

[blackhat]

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.