The compressor on my central A/C unit froze up, according to an A/C tech. that came out to the house. He showed me the resistance on his meter, bla, bla. I have now seen a Hard Start coil advertised that is suppose to overcome this by adding 600% more torque on starting, and claims that it will get your compressor working 75% of the time. Has anybody ever used one of these or is it a scam. Thanks
2006-07-29 21:38:16 · 6 answers · asked by Debbie P 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is used to overcome start torque required to get the compressor pumping. They plug into your existing run capacitor.
Either it will work or not. If your comp is locked rotor amperage, it will be a waste of time.
2006-07-30 00:50:00 · answer #1 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hard start capacitors are used for compressors that sometimes wont start. Mainly older compressors need these, but if the compressor unit has longer refrigerant lines, a hard start device will help overcome the initial starting torque. They wont catch on fire and they really work well and are really easy to install. Just two wires to hook to the existing capacitor. It will probably extend the life of the A/C unit! Good luck!
2006-07-30 04:14:51 · answer #2 · answered by djjay_2000_00 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they do work and are not a scam. I use them on every locked compressor I work on. Sometimes they do not work, and when they don't I replace the compressor. I have had them work for only a week and the compressor failed. I have also had them work for over 10 years on a unit.
I have never had one catch on fire.
They are indeed worth a try to get the compressor going again. They are much cheaper than replacing a compressor.
2006-07-30 02:43:49 · answer #3 · answered by foy_d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never used one but here in FL my last place was new but had what I can only guess was the cheapest a/c unit the landlord could find. In the summer (which is like all year)it would freeze up constantly and would have to be shut off for about a day to defrost. Many a night was spent tossing and turning with my fan two inches from my bed as I tried to sleep.
I would call around to various a/c places and ask them about it and see what they say. Good luck.
2006-07-29 22:19:03 · answer #4 · answered by Amy >'.'< 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have used hard start caps for 25 years with a 50/50 result. If the tech never mentioned trying one then I would recommend you get a new tech. Most newer high efficiency units already come with one. All units should have them they save electricity.
2006-07-30 13:50:22 · answer #5 · answered by kcp2112 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Didn't use one either, but my husband said if it doesn't start that there is a risk of it causing a fire with all that torque. Just be careful.
2006-07-30 00:22:38 · answer #6 · answered by Eyez 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋