Do HVAC Hard Start kits help?

Question

My central air system "sort" of works, but I actually have to turn up the temp a couple degrees to allow the capacitor to charge enough to start the outside unit. Then once it's running I turn it down a couple degrees to let it run- then repeat the cycle. If I don't go through this then only the indoor blower works. I looked at the diagram and it shows a start capacitor, but the wire color codes don't match up with the exception of 2 out of 3 wires, and it looks like a relay pack resin sealed matchbook sized thing (assuming its a combination relay/capacitor). There's also a 35/5 dual run capacitor that I'm not sure if I should replace just that. I'm hoping someone can tell me they had a good experience with a 3 wire "hard start" kit, or if its a viable option.

Mark · Accepted Answer

pretty easy..............write down motor info...and current capacitor sizes........

go to local appliance repair center the will have what u need.....

grainger & mc master carr will also have them

parts can cost some $$$$$$

remember this is like  a temporary fix

also be careful new capacitors have bleen resistors....the old ones dont !!!!!!!!!

so use a screw driver and touch both terminals on capacitor together when unit it off...(off at breaker)

please discharge before removing

SAFETY FIRST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Polar Bear · Answer

That little matchbook sized box is a time delay. Cut it out and drop kick it as far as you possibly can.

Get on the compressor start and common and have someone start the compressor. Read the spike (you gotta be quick) if it takes more to start it that normal values, put in a Supco SPP6.
http://supco.com/

IMHO: you only need a new analog thermostat....

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Do HVAC Hard Start kits help?

2 Answers