Changing A/C capacitor to ease start up power draw

[MAJORJDB]

Greetings, I thought I saw an article in either Airstream Life or the WBCCI Blue Beret magazine that talked about changing an A/C's capacitor to ease the start up draw on the TT's power system. If anyone has seen this write up, could pass along which publication and what month it was in. Also, any opinion on this procedure would be appreciated.

[wulfraat]

Many of us have done this upgrade and it works great. Reduces startup load / amperage draw from the compressor by 60-70%. allows you to run a 15k AC on using a single Honda or Yamaha 2000 watt genset.

Search "Micro Air" or "EasyStart" and you will find a number of threads on this topic.

Here is the product page. You can download installation manuals / videos:

https://www.microair.net/products/ea...nt=30176048267

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I suspect you both may be talking about two different solutions to the starting surge issue. Of the two, I'd go with the "electronic" solution rather than just a capacitor swap.

Bob

[wulfraat]

The Micro Air EasyStart is a software-driven device that replaces the start capacitor in the AC unit.

Note that the EasyStart does in fact have a traditional Start capacitor inside the enclosure, however current is regulated by the software installed on a control board, which is also located inside the enclosure.... So it is far more effective at reducing startup load vs a traditional start capacitor or traditional hard start device.

[Morgan guy]

I used the Micro Air upgrade last week. It works well even though I am using a somewhat larger (Yamaha 2400) generator. The hardest part was getting the old hard start capacitor out. It was apparently installed into the electric box before the box was installed into the a/c.

[Leadvox]

If you were going to do this upgrade, It is best done before the AC is installed? or does it matter?

[rmkrum]

Depends on how you feel about working on the roof of the AS in the hot sun[emoji3]

[UnklJoe]

Try this thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...-108614-3.html

There are some good links to URLs about capacitors for A/C starting.

Hope this helps!

[rmatkovich]

Yes there was a thing about this and I have replaced mine. The artical was I think last year, but do not remember when. Go to the WBCCI Blue Beret and look in the past.
Jim

[rmatkovich]

I had a 2200 watt and will not run my air with the new capacitor. need a 2500 +

[Glenn T]

Originally Posted by rmatkovich

I had a 2200 watt and will not run my air with the new capacitor. need a 2500 +

I run my air conditioner with a Honda 2000 watt generator in its "ECO" mode. Instead of upgrading the generator, go with the Easy Start. It's more expensive than just buying a capacitor, but it does a fantastic job. It revs up my generator before starting the AC compressor.

[polarlyse]

If you are still interested the BB article was in the June 2016 issue. It advised to use the Supco SPP6E capacitor. On Amazon I find this one listed as well as a SPP6. I'm not sure which route to go replacing the capacitor or going the Micro air route. The price is a bit steep for the Micro air however.

Since the article recommends the SPP6E I suppose I'll go that route for the price and ease of installation

Hmmmm. Still pondering

[rodsterinfl]

Yes, it is good to do that as it protects the compressor too. I replaced mine and learned in the process that Dometic updated the specific capacitor for my unit to a more powerful one.za It sounds different when it starts now. Less drag on startup. It used to have 4-5 seconds of grunt then blow. Now about half that. I would check with Dometic before just replacing it if you own a Dometic. I found my old part number available but from limited vendors which led me to wonder and then call to learn the new number and part.

[lsbrodsky]

No starting cap. replacement is going to let you start the A/C on a 2000 watt genny. If your genny is bigger, have at it. But I have to say, the lack of the big clunk when the compressor starts, using the Micro-Air, is worth it. You just know the compressor is happier.

Larry

[polarlyse]

I have a Honda 3000 generator but as yet have not needed to use it to run the AC. Our major dry camping has been in the Fla. Keys in Jan/Feb and AC is usually not needed then. Summer camping seems to usually have electric hookups or out west at higher altitudes and don't need AC their either.

[Bill M.]

"Also, any opinion on this procedure would be appreciated."

My opinion: forget finding the article or trying to just change the start capacitor. Go with the Easy start. I am pretty cheap overall but I did the Easy start and am happy with it. I do not think you can do it with just a start capacitor.

At least go to the Micro Air website and read the promos for it.

[AWCHIEF]

Picking up the Micro-Air after I arrive in Escanaba for the International. Going to take advantage of the free install by the company owner and Lew. I have a new Penguin II 1500 w/heat pump. It noticeable starts easier and is much quieter than the previous Penguin.