What a Homeowner Should Know About Hard Start Kits

A hard start kit is an electrical device that helps your HVAC system's compressor start more easily. The compressor is the motor that circulates refrigerant and requires a significant amount of electricity to start. A hard start kit provides a temporary boost of power, which makes the startup process smoother and faster.

When Do You Need a Hard Start Kit?

You might need a hard start kit if your AC unit is struggling to start. Common signs of a hard-starting compressor include:

• Flickering lights when the AC turns on, which indicates a large inrush of current.
• The compressor making a loud clicking or humming noise but failing to start.
• The circuit breaker tripping every time the AC tries to start.
• "Short cycling," where the unit turns on and off rapidly without completing a full cooling cycle.

A hard start kit is also often recommended for older systems or in homes with low or inconsistent voltage. Some HVAC professionals even recommend installing a hard start kit on a new, single-stage system as a preventative measure to prolong its life.

The Benefits of a Hard Start Kit

Adding a hard start kit offers several key benefits for your HVAC system and your wallet:

• Extends Compressor Lifespan: The high electrical current and heat generated during a difficult startup can cause significant wear and tear on your compressor. By providing an extra "kick" of power, the kit reduces this stress, which can help your compressor last longer.
• Reduces Strain on Your Electrical System: The kit minimizes the large surge of power needed to start the compressor. This can prevent issues like flickering lights and tripped circuit breakers, which is beneficial for your entire home's electrical system.
• Improves Energy Efficiency: By making the startup process more efficient, the kit reduces the amount of electricity consumed during those first crucial seconds. This can lead to lower energy bills over time.
• Helps with Low Voltage: In homes with low or unstable voltage, a hard start kit can compensate for the lack of power, ensuring your system starts reliably even when conditions aren't ideal.

Cost of a Hard Start Kit Installation

The cost of a hard start kit itself is relatively low, typically ranging from $12 to $150. However, the installation is best left to a qualified HVAC technician. The professional installation cost usually runs from $150 to $250, bringing the total cost to a range of $160 to $400. This is a small price to pay when compared to the cost of a full compressor replacement, which can be thousands of dollars. While a hard start kit can be a great short-term solution for an aging system, it's important to remember it's a "Band-Aid" fix and might not solve the underlying issue that's causing the problem. Always have a professional diagnose the root cause of your system's struggles.