Slow start system for air conditioner

[Goldbrick]

I have a 13 amp air conditioner that works fine but when not connected to a land electrical source but with my 2200 Honda generator (16 amps) it just about starts up. In looking for what’s called a slow start system there are a number of units in the $350.00 area. I’ve also found a hard start capcitor kit that appears to do the same thing for $20.00. Can someone explain the difference

[Microlite_Mike]

Another often unmentioned benefit of the MicroAir soft start is how it "softens" the noise of A/C startup. Rather than the "Ka-whump" of fan and compressor starting all at once, which can wake you in the middle of the night, it's now a softer startup that I only notice if I'm awake at the time.

This is a benefit even if on shore power.

[philh]

ktmrfs wrote:
With the honda 2200 and easy start and some roof/portable solar I no longer have any need for the honda parallel kit and two generators.

I have a 2500w westinghouse, and I believe it has a smaller motor than your 2200. It would not run my 15k Btu AC on the travel trailer until I installed the microaire product.

On my new 5th wheel, it will start and run the smaller front AC without any mods. I haven't tried it on the rear AC yet.

[ktmrfs]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

time2roll wrote:
The $20 kits are generally an additional start capacitor. These work great on the older models that had none. Most of the newer models already have this feature and the kit would have limited effect.

Without getting into the electrical engineering of AC motors, a larger or an additional starting capacitor could making starting current draw worse !

EasyStart by Micro-Air is a highly recommended soft starter.

x2 on the micro air. with a honda 2200 I can start and run my Coleman MachIII at 7500 ft altitude at 90+F in eco mode and run it all day no problem. It's not inexpensive but it is way better than a soft start cap which only reduces somewhat the inrush surge and LRA. With the micro air my PEAK inrush current is <20A for <200 MILLI seconds. well within the capability of the honda 2200.

Now the honda 2000 will run out of poop at about 4000ft density altitude and overload, not a big enough motor. the 2200 has a much larger motor in addition to the extra 200W.

With the honda 2200 and easy start and some roof/portable solar I no longer have any need for the honda parallel kit and two generators.

[Goldbrick]

Thank you for your responses, I appreciate the help

[ewarnerusa]

The micro-air soft start kit has been one of the best upgrades we have made, our Yamaha 2400 now runs the A/C reliably and saves the day during summer heat. I quoted the following though because as people have pointed out, your Honda 2200 will be running hard to keep the A/C going and any other loads may just be a watt too many.

#1Flyboy wrote:
When I start up my A/C I make sure refrigerator is running on propane ….

I would add the water heater to this list and the converter if you are able to shut it off. Avoid any other high AC draw items like microwave or coffee makers.

I wouldn't say wrong tool for the job if this is your highest power demand situation and you go with the micro-air kit, I would instead say the right tool for the job without having to have a larger/heavier generator than necessary. My opinion though

[MFL]

2oldman wrote:
That one generator will be working hard and LOUD running it, and you'll have a heck of a time running anything else, including your converter.

^^This...just not the right tool for the job. If you want to run the air, and other things, better to add/connect second generator, or sell/trade the 2200 and purchase a more capable single.

Jerry

[_1Flyboy]

When I start up my A/C I make sure refrigerator is running on propane; then I turn thermostat to run the fan; after the fan has run for a few seconds I turn the thermostat to run A/C….. A/C starts & runs fine… U might try that sequence if’s you don’t want to shell out the $$$….

[2oldman]

That one generator will be working hard and LOUD running it, and you'll have a heck of a time running anything else, including your converter.

[theoldwizard1]

time2roll wrote:
The $20 kits are generally an additional start capacitor. These work great on the older models that had none. Most of the newer models already have this feature and the kit would have limited effect.

Without getting into the electrical engineering of AC motors, a larger or an additional starting capacitor could making starting current draw worse !

EasyStart by Micro-Air is a highly recommended soft starter.

[Goldbrick]

Thanks will do.

[time2roll]

The $20 kits are generally an additional start capacitor. These work great on the older models that had none. Most of the newer models already have this feature and the kit would have limited effect.

Best to open the junction box on the roof and get a picture of what is in there. Post that and the make/model of the air conditioner for best answers.

[BB_TX]

https://www.softstartrv.com/hard-start-vs-soft-start/