HVAC Hard Start Kits

[guyfrumeastny1]

Easily explained and broken down. Thanks for posting this. However, in my A/C unit the run capacitor has only two prongs like the second one shown in the video. There is only one empty tab which I assume is fan. If I don't disconnect any wires how do I connect the hard start kit?

[sado1250]

Hard Start kits will burn out an embracco compressor sometimes within two months. asking for trouble. Install the oem relay and overload. comes together and no cutting and splicing any wires. about 30 bucks.

[davideidsvoog]

thank you for the info, I'm currently in the Air Force and training for HVAC/R as a beginning job, I really enjoy the HVAC/R career field, and genuinely appreciate more experienced technicians posting videos on YouTube.... as it makes it easier to understand, thank you for taking the time to make this video!

[DrZarkloff]

@davideidsvoog Thanks for watching.

[serpendipityful]

Hi Dr. Z, My air con wasn't working, inside furnace blowing air and the outside unit "buzzing". I took the panel off and the run cap looks ok (no swelling ect.). The Hard Start Cap which was black plastic had a melted hole on the side by the top. I'm assuming it's bad. Question is: EHOW says I need to discharge the run cap to install the HS cap. Is this true? Seems a little more than I am capable of doing myslef if so. I pride myself on DiY. But this may be more out of my realm. lol..

[DrZarkloff]

@serpendipityful It's a good idea to call in the professionals when you don't feel comfortable doing something yourself.

[positionandhold]

Installed a SUPCO RC0810 Refrigerator Compressor Hard Start Kit, plugged in the refrigerator last nite and compressor kicked on with out a hitch. I checked in on it this afternoon and everything is working like the day I bought it. I will post if and when it finally craps out.

[DrZarkloff]

@positionandhold Let's hope that it keeps on ticking.

[mommymur]

Thank you for your video. My question is: we were having lights flicker when the a/c went on. So we hired an a/c company to install a hard start kit. But...after installation, the lights still flicker. I contacted the a/c installer and so far, he isin different about the problem. I need to talk with him again about this but need your input first. What could be the problem? Why are the lights still flickering?

I would appreciate your help, Dr. Zarkloff. Thanks.

[DrZarkloff]

@mommymur What kind of hard start kit did you install? You're best off to install a good one like Kickstart or the 5-2-1 compressor saver.

[positionandhold]

So would a hard start kit be an option? Or am I asking for trouble?

[DrZarkloff]

@positionandhold It can be a good option.

[positionandhold]

Do you think a hard start kit would help with my problem?

My refrigerator is making a humming noise then a click, over and over again and the compressor will not start. Needless to say the fridgedoes not cool nor does the freezer freeze. I got a replacement relay and capacitor, and the problem persists. The relay is hot to the touch and as it cools it will click. I did a continuity test and the three pins on the compressor have continuity with each other. I also checked the pins for continuity

[DrZarkloff]

@positionandhold It sounds like your compressor is tripping out on thermal overload. More than likely, the shaft is ceased up.

[amberlynn6914]

Superboost-P.O.S.



[lolly2cute]

Good morning doctor z. This is jean Benoit from Boston Ma. Thanks again sir for all your help online. My question to you is, how can you replace sequencer and relays for the board for cooling as an emergency.because I work in 700,00 unit complex sometimes we run out of board or our low voltage is not working for some reason and we need keep up with the a/c service until we get the board. You can only email me the the instructions if you can. Thai you. My email is lolly2cute@gmail.com

[DrZarkloff]

@lolly2cute It is possible to use relays in place of the board. Knowing how to do it is what separates a tech from a parts changer. It all depends on the type of system you have. There isn't a standard method of doing this.

[locutz]

i think i've found the perfect Chanel i will definitely learn a lot here am an a/c technician myself thanks for posting this up Drzarkloff

[DrZarkloff]

@locutz Thanks for watching.

[caropim27]

hi dr z i have a question i just replace a evaporator coil r22 with txv the old it doesnt has my question do i need to installed hard star kit or not by the way the unit is bryant 3 1/2 ton straigth air thank you for video help a lot god bless you charlotte north carolina

[DrZarkloff]

@caropim27 It all depends on if Bryant requires you to install a start capacitor on the system.

[caropim27]

hi dr z i have a question i just replace a evaporator coil r22 with txv the old it doesnt has my question do i need to installed hard star kit or not by the way the unit is bryant 3 1/2 ton straigth air thank you for video help a lot god bless you charlotte north carolina

[caropim27]

hi

[sivmeng1]

Dr Z. you are a life saver.

I have question for u

I have heate pumpe condenser and a gas furnace can I used it together?

I like to used it just for a/c.

And gas for the heating.

Thank You.

[DrZarkloff]

@sivmeng1 Yes you can use the heat pump condenser with the gas furnace as long as you keep the condenser in the cooling mode.

[Alxscode]

I've had someone install my new York condenser with a hard start. And I'ved noticed some rough loud start ups. Do you think thats indicative of the hard strart?

[DrZarkloff]

@Alxscode You could check out the hard start capacitor to be sure that it's still good.

[rockinjohn1972]

Thanks for all the great info I've got six more months in Hvac school and it's great to see hands on in the field

[DrZarkloff]

@rockinjohn1972 Thanks for watching.

[jenko701]

Good video Jim ,Another good video is .Hard Start Test! Not all Hard Start Kits are the same!

[DrZarkloff]

@jenko701 hackfreehvac had a really great hard start test video. I can't find it anymore at his channel. Maybe you can find it. It shows how KickStart blows them all away.

[wolfmatters]

@DrZarkloff

Here it is: watch?v=jFFRpxFkpcM&feature

[wolfmatters]

@DrZarkloff Search for "Hard Start Test! Not all Hard Start Kits are the same!"

[DrZarkloff]

@jenko701 Thanks

[tightguyhd]

Could you show how to actually put a hard start kit on a compressor

[Gcarman50]

Shouldn't you use a hard start capacitor only on a start capacitor and not a run capacitor?

[chuy746]

how do you test hardstart to see if it is working

[DrZarkloff]

@chuy746 Hard start kits that have the potential relay built in are practically impossible to test without trying them. KickStart is a good brand that keeps the potential relay separate from the capacitor. They can be easily tested.

[acsjoe1224]

I dont know where this industry got the idea to call the center post common. I get lots of students into my class calling the center post common and end up wiring this post to the common terminal of the compressor.

[DrZarkloff]

@acsjoe1224 Common is kind of a relative term. I've had a few people ask me to make a video on common.

[myskunk1]

can you use hard start on condensing fan cap until i get one

[DrZarkloff]

@myskunk1 Hard start kits are really designed to be used on compressors. I don't think they would help a fan motor.

[MrMadden73]

Hey have you had any problems putting the 3 n 1s on the newer refrigerators with the adaptive defrost? I have heard that it can take out the circuit board and that the newer compressors since 95 will fail. Im concerned because i have sold about 4 refrigerators with the 1/4 3 n1 the last few weeks installed. What do you doc? should i lose sleep at night over the start windings life expectency?

[DrZarkloff]

@MrMadden73 I wouldn't lose sleep. Sometimes, the 3 in 1 is the only alternative.

[cincocapacitor]

@DrZarkloff

it is good video.

[MrMadden73]

Thanks man

[cincocapacitor]

very good work

[wendyma01]

Question: My AC stopped working last week, it would blow on the inside but the air was room temp. so I went and checked the outside unit and it was humming but the fans weren't going so I called an AC Repair company, they came out and said the Capacitor was bad and he suggested I install a Hard Start Kit, said it would make the compressor last longer. Is this true or did he just get me for more money?

[DrZarkloff]

@wendyma01 It all depends on the voltage stability in your area. If you're power is regularly giving you brown outs then it's well worth the money. Some aging compressors just need a hard start kit to make it run. if that's the case then your compressor isn't long for this world. You might have bought a few months before having to replace the compressor.

[mhoppe920]

You can also install a relay with a start and run cap.

[tomcompton09]

Hey there Dr. Z, I would just like to say thank you for what you are doing, I f there is anyway I can be a part of it or help you out let me know, seriously. You have helped me out tremendously in some simple yet skill full videos. I have just recently started my hvac career, graduated in 2007 (Age 33, lol ), Some things are hard for me to comprehend, but not when I get the information from you.

[DrZarkloff]

@tomcompton09 Congrats for selecting HVACR as a career. I'm glad that I could help.

[douglas787]

Love those hard start kits. They have saved me from replacing a compressor more than once. Yes I double checked for voltage drop, the proper cap installed and so on and was ready to throw the towel, the first time I used a hard start kit to get a otherwise stuck compressor to run I thought it too good to be true.

[BerettaM9USAF]

thx. I'll look into that brand.

[BerettaM9USAF]

Doc, I have a 4 ton Lenox and looking at benefits of HS kit. Saw 5-2-1 and Supco SPP6E which do you recommend. Found some guys swear by and against.

[DrZarkloff]

@BerettaM9USAF I prefer the Kick-start HS kits.

[turtle4aire]

Dear DrZarkloff

There is one point you may need to speak on is this:

All piston type compressor with TXV valves MUST have hard start kits. This being SPP8 or above. If you don't do this it is just about garrantied you will buy a new compressor in less than 2 years.

If you have a scroll compressor it is not required to have hard start kit at all. Scrolls will not need them.

You must have covered this at other film here, but if not it must be addressed.

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks for mentioning this.

[Prozackityzac]

@turtle4aire

We have plenty of fractional horsepower piston compressor, using a tev, that have been operating for more then five years +

[turtle4aire]

To Prozackityzac

In the world of fractional Horse power compressors, you may see no hard start and work fine.

Now take 5 Horse power Air Conditioning Compressor, Piston type compressor [No Hard Start] 2 to 5 H. P. and put them on a Non-Release TXV and You let it run. 1 out 5 times it will not crank and jam. It will not be able to crank against the 250 P.S.I. head pressure being held on the head pressure side.

This has been true for the last 40 years that I have been in the Business.

[Prozackityzac]

@turtle4aire

Oh I see, you weren't specific in the application.

and now that you have been, it makes completely sense.

cheers.

cheers

[jasonrtilden]

I have seen many cases where a hard start kit is necessary with scroll compressors. Non-bleed txv's make it tough for any type compressor to start. I have had to go out and install them on many brand new units that just refused to start with out one (they were all scrolls).

[hlcsdcds]

so I just added a hard start kit to my unit but the fan does not run at all. Yesterday a bunch of HVAC came, and they added their own hard start unit and it works. I am just not sure why mine won't work. The only problem that I am having is the fan not running when I turn it on. I can turn the blade, or start them, but using a stick and rotate it and the machine will pick it up. Please help. ! is it my capacitor making the trouble ?

[DrZarkloff]

It sounds more like a problem with the fan motor itself. I'd replace the motor and run capacitor.

[LoneOarman]

Exactly what does the hard-start kit contain? Looks sealed, what it it? I've got one right here in my hand.

[DrZarkloff]

It has a high capacity capacitor and a relay all sealed inside.

[ricgilsr]

I think you had a bad capacitor and the service tech replaced it. A hard start kit is for the comp. not the fan motor.

[LoneOarman]

Capacitor is cheap so it wont hurt to try. Yes, your capacitor usually starts both the compressor and the outside fan. Mine goes bad every 3 or 4 years, for some stupid reason.

[murrmann7234]

if I have a leak and the refrigerant oil leaks out. How do I add oil to a compressor.

[DrZarkloff]

You can use an oil pump to add oil through the suction side.

[bwd111]

Whats a brown out? The only brown out I had is when I ate to much Flax seed. I would recommened staying out of the bathroom for about 45min after me . No thats a brown out

[photocontrol]

LOL,a brownout is if you live in an area where the power dims frequently and you have less than 110/220V, the norm is 120/240V ,compared with a blackout when you loose power completely.

[fttq]

I installed a hard start and it worked for two days but this morning the fan would not turn on. could the capacitor connection to the fan be bad or the capacitor needs to be replaced.

[DrZarkloff]

It's possible that the run cap on the fan side is bad. The only way to tell for sure is to use a multimeter that let's you test the capacitance.

[LOUISIANABOY69]

Im a tech over here in el paso a noob. Still green. I went to a call the other day and the compressor was kicking off after about 15 minutes of running. i checked current on compressor, and mfs on the capacitor and everything was ok. I called my service manager and he told me to throw a super boost on it. I havnt had a callback so im guessing a superboost could be used to keep the compressor running, not just to get it started?

[DrZarkloff]

Yes, a hard start kit can keep the compressor running.

[vengencemonger]

Great video. Dont pay any attention to the people who nit pick and claim to be "third generation hvac techs". They are just fencesitters who are too stupid or lazy to make their own videos.

Keep up the good work.

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks. I guess I should have expected the fencesitters to come around.

[bervotten]

Is it good practice to install a start kit on LENNOX scroll compressor with a T.X.V at the evaporator. The compressor makes noise during start up usually only in the mornings.

[DrZarkloff]

Newer Lennox machines usually have Copeland Scroll compressors. Unless Lennox warns against it with your particular system, I would say yes as long as the line voltage is 230 volt single phase.

[Burnerfixer]

Part time tech ? Aside from my twenty years as a Police Officer I worked with my Uncle,Grandfather and cousin in this business.

Grandpa Started his Company in 1900.

Now retired from the PD I service Commercial Refrigeration seven days a week.

[Burnerfixer]

The all in one can be used on TXV systems also.

Used them to get a system up and running while waiting for the proper components.

Also use them with penny pincher's.

Your videos are good, but you should check them out before posting, this way everyone will benefit.

[local614bro]

i will be waiting for your videos, maybe you can call the first one "Useless hairsplitting from a part time tech"

[Burnerfixer]

Funny I just listened and watched and you distinctly state a 3 in 1are actually built to replace a run capacitor on refrigerators.

The RSO 3 in one is as stater a relay,start xapacitor, overload.

There is a CRSO this is used along with a run capacitor. Hence run capacitor C relay R start capacitor S overload O

[DrZarkloff]

The ALL-IN-ONE unit replaces ALL 3 electrical components-relay, overload and start capacitor, on ALL capillary systems.

Alright I accidentally said run instead of start. Maybe you could make a correction video. Be my guest.

[Icehouse59]

Guess you don't listen very well, you distinctly state a 3n1 is used on refrigeration to replace a run capacitor. Wrong it is a relay,overload and START capacitor.

As far as your opinion of me as a technical reviewer, check out all information before commenting

[Icehouse59]

Maybe you should watch and listen yourself.

You distinctly claim it is a run capacitor.

Your information here on on other videos leave a lot to be desired.

I am also a technical reviewer for one of the largest publishers of HVAC/R textbooks.

I viewed this after being contacted by a former student of mine.

Yes I have taught this trade for almost thirty years.

[DrZarkloff]

Okay, I watched it again. I called the hard start kit a hard start kit and I called the run capacitor a run capacitor. I really don't know what you're talking about. And your claim to be a technical reviewer doesn't mean much to me. I looked at your youtube profile and it didn't impress me one bit. For all I know, you could be some punk junkie that's just trying to mess with constructive youtubers. You might want to prove yourself and make some videos. Then we'll talk.

[Burnerfixer]

The "Punk" you are referring to is my cousin who has been servicing HVAC/R equipment since 1968 as well as teaching it since 1980.

[DrZarkloff]

Welcome to youtube. I think that you'll see why I say what I say after you've made a few videos of your own. I've had my share of haters come and go since I've been making videos here. A hater is someone who posts obstinate comments simply to satisfy their sadistic ego. Don't take it personal. Your cousin, to say that he really is your cousin, should read his posts before clicking the "Post Comment" button. Doing so might prevent any misunderstandings. Please keep in mind that this is my channel

[Burnerfixer]

Yes, he is my cousin and no he does not make videos, although he did with Carrier.

He is very involved with NATE and RSES

We learned the business the hard way, from his father, and our grandfather.

[Icehouse59]

Dr.Zarkloff You should check your information out thoroughly before giving out information.

A 3 n 1 is a Relay, Overload, and Start capacitor, not a run capacitor.

It is used primarily for "hard starting" conditions basically high starting torque.

My background US Army Refrigeration Specialist (Retired)

[DrZarkloff]

If you watch the video you'll see that I have a hard start kit.

[aznlepkham]

Hey! I've learn a lot from your vidoe and I've gain a lot of knowledge  and you build my confident. Keep up making a good video.

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks for watching.

[krazedinmiami]

hey thanks for the great videos drzarkloff..ima 2ed yr apprentice and i like watching your videos they really do enhance my overall learning. thanks again.

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad that my videos have helping you.

[TexasHomeInspector]

As a home inspector (not an a/c tech) and working for a client interested in pruchashing a home, anytime I come across a hard start on a a/c I note that the system is in need of repair. I take from your video that hard starts should not be a permanent fixture on a/c compressors unless in brown out areas. And thanks for the info.

[DrZarkloff]

There are cases when the only way a compressor will start is with a hard start kit. If that's the case then it should be a permanent fixture. That usually means that the compressor is on its way out.

[itscool1968]

its those socks lol sapping the memory:)

[DrZarkloff]

Yeah, I guess that I need to get one of those grounding bracelets.

[OcRefrigeration]

Supco Rocks! Love those Supco Products.

3 in 1's

[OcRefrigeration]

i Keep those 3 in ones for Refrigeration on the Truck all the time in California for those aging compressors.1/4hp-1/3hp.Before i Condemn a Compressor i Allways yank all the start components,throw a 3 in one on it and more times than not it takes off and the customer is Very Happy. but i tell them it's on it's way out. But it gets them by for years some times.

[DrZarkloff]

They've saved more than one old refrigerator for me, too.

[mikie2501]

Very good Jim! I have several dead start kits on the back of the truck, may have to pull them out and see what variety I have!

[DrZarkloff]

Yeah, please make a video showing us your hard start kit grave yard.

[jimmymoss7644]

cool video.

[DrZarkloff]

thanks

[Priorityheat]

Jim - Great video. I would have to agree that the 5-2-1 hard start kits are the best. Remember to discharge the capacitor prior to handling!

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks. I sometimes forget to mention to discharge the run capacitor first.

[killtheglory]

wheres the 5-2-1. thats my hard start of choice. everyone has some good opinions about hard start kits. i just love the 5-2-1 though.

[DrZarkloff]

I usually get them when I need one. I had to use a friend's in this video.

[bowlingballout]

Do you switch to heating repair this time of year?

[DrZarkloff]

I live in Florida. We do heating and cooling all year round.

[mechanicwarrior20]

Nicely done :)

[DrZarkloff]

Thanks.