You should not need to install a hard start kit on your condenser in my opinion. It appears the tech is looking to make some extra money at your expense.

Did the tech show you the 136 amp reading? Let's assume for a moment the reading was real and accurate. You could say the compressor is defective and should be replaced under the parts and labor warranty. The labor is covered by the installer so I am confident he will come up with a reason for not replacing the compressor. At that point you should tell him you want this documented in case the compressor fails within the 10 year parts warranty.

Thanks! I called another Lenox dealer who told me that same thing. Plus, if I needed one, they'd do it for $375. Anyway, I'm not getting one. I also found that Amazon sells the same kit for $25!

A new system doesn't need a hard start kit unless it is defective, in which case it needs to be fixed under warranty.

Thanks. The tech said that my system was drawing too many amps, which he said isn't related to the unit, but is dictated by my power system. He said the start assist kit would control the amps and make my compressor last longer. I think you and mike_home are correct, as was another local AC company that I called.

What does ”power system” mean? Was this explained to you?

I advise checking incoming voltage as well as voltage drop at contactor. If either isn't within specs test all the way back to meter before making any decisions. Point being if you only have 190 volts available 136 amps wouldn't be surprising. There's a dozen possible reasons for low volts and/or voltage drop so if that's the problem you'll need more than today's garden variety hvac tech to find it. Needless to say if supply is up to standard and unit is pulling over amps you should consider doing as Mike said before labor warranty expires.

Well if the tech took a running compressor and turned it off and then turned it back on in a minute or two it would pull a higher than normal current. Called short cycling the compressor and would have a hell of a load starting up with a high head pressure. Beyond that a low voltage would do it, so since you're handy turn off the disconnect and check the connections and make sure they're tight.

Concerning the hard start kit, if you decide to install one check your manual I hope you received and should show a list of optional equipment. It may list a factory hard start kit as optional equipment with the part number and suggest buying that kit if you're going to do it yourself. These kits are better sized to the compressor you have.

Thanks, everyone! My dealer uses a CSRU2 5-2-1 Compressor Saver Replacement HVAC Hard Start Capacitor 3.5-4- 5 Tons Hard Start Kit. That same one is on Amazon. Here's what the tech's report states:

I also inspected the contactor and Capacitor and Capacitor is rated for 35+10 μF. I was given readings of 34.26 and 9.82 μF within manufacturer specifications +/-5%. I checked in Rush current read it for 109 I was getting a reading of 136.5 wall pass manufacture specifications and readings for the orale is rated for 17.05 I was getting a reading of 9.63 for the FLA, rated for 1.7. Getting a reading of 1.12.

By "power system" being the cause, the tech meant the power company and said that it depends on demand throughout my neighborhood, and in my area (desert southwest), the compressor could cycle many thousands of times per season. Please bear in mind that I know very little about any of this stuff. I have no intention of installing the kit, let alone by myself. The Lennox manual does not mention it. A company rep said that the kit should extend the life of my compressor by 5 years (my warranty is 10 years). The $600 price is with the discount for customers, and is "high" because they warrant the start assist kit for 2 years. Here's a pic of the electrical tests and the meter:

"The tech said that my system was drawing too many amps, which he said isn't related to the unit, but is dictated by my power system."

What absolute drivel.

>mike_home

> What does ”power system” mean? Was this explained to you?

The power supplied to my home/AC unit by the power company. He said the power/amps varied by demand in my area.

> Austin Air Companie

My Lennox system is two years old. I have a ten-yearm factory warranty on the compressor. The tech acknowledged that the warranty length may be adequate, but labor isn't included after three (I think) years, and labor to replace the compressor presently is $1000. I'm not going to have the start assist kit installed. In reviewing videos, it looks as though a good tech could install it in 10 minutes. And yes, they're trying to screw me. They give me free fall/spring service, but there real aim to to sell extra stuf.

In reviewing videos, it looks as though a good tech could install it in 10 minutes. And yes, they're trying to screw me. They give me free fall/spring service, but there real aim to to sell extra stuf.

Jimmy you can argue about time it takes to do something, the cost of the part or piece some one is replacing ---- the bigger elephant is how they got their foot in your door to do things. (the lure of free)

Free is nearly always the missing ingredient. But then you turn around and do it to yourself too by reducing what they are doing and criticizing that it only took them 10 min. to replace it without really putting into focus what you are really paying for?

There isn't anything really wrong with the part they are selling unless they use it full well knowing the part isn't intended for your particular compressor--- it's how they are selling it. As I noted previously it's used to rescue an older compressor that is struggling or failing to start.

Are you paying them for 10 min. to install a part? Are you paying them for expertise to know what they are doing + a part you may need? Different perspective. If you choose to only pay someone based on 10 min to do something how will they remain in business?

A pro HVAC contractor who has been doing this for a long time won't take as long to do various tasks? So you're going to reward this pro HVAC contractor by paying less because it doesn't take him as long to do a specific task? How then are you going to keep him in business for the next time you need him?

How did the part get on the service van? how much time did that take? how many people are on payroll for the company? how much advertising is spent to give away freebie stuff? These are only a very few expenses -- much more than that to remain in business.

Labor + advertising is a very large expense --- The expense of those who come to give you that free service of inspecting your AC system --- who pays their salary if you don't?

Jimmy W, I know the freebie guys. They exist in my area too... When the system is older they come out to give free advice and usually it involves ripping everything out and replacing it with a new system. In some cases this rip it all out and replace it is entirely necessary.

These companies who come for free make it sound so good. Remember a free opinion isn't the same thing as an opinion that is actually worth something.

I believe you are now starting to see things in a new light. The problem for you is your system is young and if these rascals were the ones who installed it --- who now are you going to find to service it? Trust is a fickle beast. Who ever you call now whether it's these rascals or someone else they will be looking to get paid. This is a separate part as to why installation of the system is very important and who it is you choose. Service of that system is often an after thought.

The argument over cost / how much you spend on something versus finding qualified people to work on your system? People run to the cheapest AC service they can find with consequences they often don't realize up front.

I service the Katy, Texas area.

@Jimmy W

The first thing you should do is to verify the length of your labor warranty. The standard industry practice is one year. The labor cost is funded the the installer.

This tech is working hard to try to get this $600 out of you. He probably has 5 of these kits on his truck hoping to sell at least one per day. The ironic thing about this is the hard start kit you mention is the cheap variety which is designed to increase the current on start up. These devices do not lengthen the life of a compressor in my opinion. The compressor start winding is flooded with more current on start up, which makes the winding opeate at a hotter temperature. Another poster was recently told a hard start kit of this type will save energy. This is another fallacy defing the laws of energy conservation in my opinion.

The other measurement he probalby took but did not report to you is the voltage level. The nominal level should be 240 V. If the voltage is higer, then the condenser will draw more current. I am going to speculate the low measured values for the condenser and fan is due the condenser operating in the low stage at the time of the measurement. If that is true, then the measurements should have also been done in the high stage.

I suggest you call the power company and tell them your HVAC tech told you the voltage levels to your house is not corrent. As a free service a tech should come to take voltages readings of the transformer and the service drop to your house.