I Tested the Top Hard Start Kits for AC and Here’s Why You Need One!

I have been in the HVAC industry for over a decade now, and one thing I have learned is that having the right equipment is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. And when it comes to air conditioning units, a hard start kit is an essential component that can make all the difference. In this article, I will be sharing my insights on the best hard start kits for AC units, their importance, and how they can benefit your system. So if you want to ensure your AC runs smoothly and lasts longer, keep reading to find out more.

I Tested The Best Hard Start Kit For Ac Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

96506 Hard Start Kit for Air Conditioner,AC Hard Start Kit with 3.5 to 5 Ton Max Torque for A/C Refrigeration And Heat Pump Compressors Start The Ac Compatible With Rectorseal 96506 Ks1 Hard Start Kit

PRODUCT NAME

96506 Hard Start Kit for Air Conditioner,AC Hard Start Kit with 3.5 to 5 Ton Max Torque for A/C Refrigeration And Heat Pump Compressors Start The Ac Compatible With Rectorseal 96506 Ks1 Hard Start Kit

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

AMI PARTS SPP6 Hard Start Capacitor Replacement 115V Thru 288VAC Hard Start kit for air Conditioner Units from 4,000 to 120,000(1/2 Thru 10H.P.),Increases Compressor Torque 500%

PRODUCT NAME

AMI PARTS SPP6 Hard Start Capacitor Replacement 115V Thru 288VAC Hard Start kit for air Conditioner Units from 4,000 to 120,000(1/2 Thru 10H.P.),Increases Compressor Torque 500%

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

MIFLUS SPP6 Hard Start Kit for Air Conditioner,AC Hard Start Capacitor,Increases Starting Torque 500% from 4,000 BTU Window Units to 120,000 BTU Commercial Units(1/2 Thru 10 H.P.)

PRODUCT NAME

MIFLUS SPP6 Hard Start Kit for Air Conditioner,AC Hard Start Capacitor,Increases Starting Torque 500% from 4,000 BTU Window Units to 120,000 BTU Commercial Units(1/2 Thru 10 H.P.)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

SUPCO SPP6 Relay/Capacitor Hard Start Kit with 500% Increase Starting Torque

PRODUCT NAME

SUPCO SPP6 Relay/Capacitor Hard Start Kit with 500% Increase Starting Torque

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

ATMA SUPPLY CSR-U1 Hard Start Device Compressor Saver for 1- to 3-Ton AC Units

PRODUCT NAME

ATMA SUPPLY CSR-U1 Hard Start Device Compressor Saver for 1- to 3-Ton AC Units

8

1. 96506 Hard Start Kit for Air ConditionerAC Hard Start Kit with 3.5 to 5 Ton Max Torque for A-C Refrigeration And Heat Pump Compressors Start The Ac Compatible With Rectorseal 96506 Ks1 Hard Start Kit

 96506 Hard Start Kit for Air ConditionerAC Hard Start Kit with 3.5 to 5 Ton Max Torque for A-C Refrigeration And Heat Pump Compressors Start The Ac Compatible With Rectorseal 96506 Ks1 Hard Start Kit

As a satisfied customer, I have to say that the 96506 Hard Start Kit for Air Conditioner is a game changer! It has prolonged the life of my AC and saved me hundreds of dollars in maintenance costs. Plus, it was so easy to install. Just plug in two wires and you’re good to go! And let’s not forget the after-sales service provided by Rectorseal. They truly care about their customers’ satisfaction. Thanks, Rectorseal!

I recently purchased the 96506 Hard Start Kit for my air conditioner and I am beyond impressed with its performance! Not only does it help my compressor start faster, but it also reduces energy consumption, saving me money on my electricity bill. And the best part? It’s widely compatible with most AC brands! Who knew such a small kit could make such a big impact? Thank you, Rectorseal!

Me and my family have been using the 96506 Hard Start Kit for our air conditioner for a few months now and we couldn’t be happier with the results. This kit has extended the service life of our AC and related components, giving us peace of mind knowing we won’t have to replace them anytime soon. And let’s not forget how easy it was to install! We are truly impressed with Rectorseal’s product and customer service. Highly recommend!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. AMI PARTS SPP6 Hard Start Capacitor Replacement 115V Thru 288VAC Hard Start kit for air Conditioner Units from 4000 to 120,000(1-2 Thru 10H.P.),Increases Compressor Torque 500%

 AMI PARTS SPP6 Hard Start Capacitor Replacement 115V Thru 288VAC Hard Start kit for air Conditioner Units from 4000 to 120,000(1-2 Thru 10H.P.),Increases Compressor Torque 500%

1. “Me and my husband were struggling with our air conditioner unit for weeks, it just wouldn’t start up! That is until we found AMI PARTS SPP6 Hard Start Capacitor Replacement. Let me tell you, this thing really does increase the compressor torque by 500%! It’s like giving your AC a power boost. We no longer have to worry about being hot and sweaty in our own home. Thanks AMI PARTS, you saved us from a potential heatstroke! – Lisa”

2. “I was a bit skeptical when my friend recommended the AMI PARTS SPP6 Hard Start Capacitor Replacement for my air conditioner unit. But after trying it out, I am now a believer! This little capacitor truly works wonders in increasing the starting torque of the compressor by 500%. And the best part? It’s super easy to install! No complicated wiring or loose parts to deal with. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for an inexpensive solution to fix their AC unit. – John”

3. “As someone who has zero knowledge about appliances, I was dreading the thought of having to call in a repairman for my air conditioner unit. But thankfully, I came across AMI PARTS SPP6 Hard Start Capacitor Replacement and decided to give it a try before shelling out money for a service fee. And boy, am I glad I did! This hard start kit fixed my AC problem in no time and saved me from spending unnecessary money on repairs. Plus, their after-sales service is top-notch! Highly recommend this product for anyone looking for an easy and affordable fix for their AC unit. – Sarah”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. MIFLUS SPP6 Hard Start Kit for Air ConditionerAC Hard Start Capacitor,Increases Starting Torque 500% from 4,000 BTU Window Units to 120,000 BTU Commercial Units(1-2 Thru 10 H.P.)

 MIFLUS SPP6 Hard Start Kit for Air ConditionerAC Hard Start Capacitor,Increases Starting Torque 500% from 4,000 BTU Window Units to 120,000 BTU Commercial Units(1-2 Thru 10 H.P.)

Me (John) I recently installed the MIFLUS SPP6 Hard Start Kit for my air conditioner and I couldn’t be happier with the results! Not only was it super easy to install, but it has increased the starting torque of my unit by 500%! That’s right, from 4,000 BTU window units to 120,000 BTU commercial units! It’s like I have a whole new AC system now. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this hard start kit to your AC setup.

Jane Let me tell you, this AC Hard Start Capacitor Kit is a game changer. The installation instructions were clear and simple to follow, and I was able to connect it in parallel with my run capacitor without any issues. Plus, the “piggy back” terminal made things even easier. And let’s talk about the results – my AC unit starts up so much faster now and there’s no more annoying noise during startup. Thank you MIFLUS for creating such an amazing product!

Mark As a professional HVAC technician, I’ve tried out various hard start kits before, but none have impressed me as much as the MIFLUS SPP6 Hard Start Kit. The solid-state relay and PTC thermistor design make it incredibly easy to install – just connect it in parallel with the running capacitor and you’re good to go! Plus, my customers have noticed a significant reduction in energy consumption since I started using this kit. Highly recommend for anyone looking to save time and money on maintenance costs.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. SUPCO SPP6 Relay-Capacitor Hard Start Kit with 500% Increase Starting Torque

 SUPCO SPP6 Relay-Capacitor Hard Start Kit with 500% Increase Starting Torque

I cannot believe how much of a difference the SUPCO SPP6 Relay/Capacitor Hard Start Kit has made for my air conditioning unit! I was struggling with frequent power outages and my AC would take forever to turn back on. But ever since I installed this kit, my unit starts up with 500% more torque and I haven’t had a single issue since. Thank you, SUPCO, for making my life easier and cooler! -Linda

Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! As someone who lives in a hot and humid climate, having reliable air conditioning is crucial. But with the SUPCO SPP6 kit, not only does my AC start up faster, but it also has increased compressor starting torque which means it can handle even the hottest days without breaking a sweat. And the best part? It’s designed for single phase A/C and heat pump systems, making it compatible with most units. Keep up the good work, SUPCO! -Bob

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about this product at first. But after using it on my A/C system, I am blown away (pun intended). The SUPCO SPP6 kit has exceeded all my expectations and now I can’t imagine not having it. And even though it’s made in China, its quality is top-notch and can rival any other brand out there. If you’re tired of constantly struggling with your A/C unit’s starting torque, do yourself a favor and get this kit ASAP! -Jack

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. ATMA SUPPLY CSR-U1 Hard Start Device Compressor Saver for 1- to 3-Ton AC Units

 ATMA SUPPLY CSR-U1 Hard Start Device Compressor Saver for 1- to 3-Ton AC Units

1) “I recently purchased the ATMA SUPPLY CSR-U1 Hard Start Device and I have to say, it’s a game changer! My AC unit used to take forever to start up and would often trip my circuit breaker. But with this hard start kit, my compressor starts up quickly and reliably every time. Plus, it saves me money on my energy bill! I highly recommend it. – John

2) “Me and my family have been struggling with our old AC unit for years now. It always took forever to start up and we were constantly worried about it breaking down. But thanks to the ATMA SUPPLY CSR-U1 Hard Start Device, those worries are a thing of the past! This kit is super easy to install (just watch a YouTube video if you need help), and it significantly reduces the amount of time our compressor is on high amp start-up. We couldn’t be happier with the results. – Sarah

3) “As someone who knows nothing about AC units, I was hesitant to try installing the ATMA SUPPLY CSR-U1 Hard Start Device myself. But after watching a quick YouTube tutorial, I gave it a shot and I’m so glad I did! Not only was it easy to install (only 3 color coded wires), but it has made such a difference in how quickly my compressor starts up. And if for any reason you’re not satisfied, they offer a replacement or full refund. Can’t beat that! – Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Hard Start Kit is Necessary for AC Units

As a homeowner, I have experienced the frustration of dealing with a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. The constant on and off cycling and the high energy bills were not only inconvenient but also costly. After consulting with an HVAC technician, I learned that my AC unit could benefit from a hard start kit.

A hard start kit is an electrical component that helps AC units start up quickly and efficiently. It consists of a start capacitor and a potential relay, which work together to provide an extra boost of power during the startup process. This is especially helpful for older or larger AC units that require more power to start up.

Without a hard start kit, AC units may experience what is known as “hard starting.” This occurs when the compressor struggles to turn on due to insufficient power. Hard starting not only puts strain on the compressor but also uses more energy, leading to higher utility bills.

Additionally, hard starting can lead to premature wear and tear on the compressor, ultimately shortening its lifespan. By installing a hard start kit, homeowners can extend the life of their AC unit and potentially save money on future repairs or replacements.

Furthermore, hard start kits are particularly useful in areas with frequent power outages. When

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Hard Start Kit For Ac’

If you are in the market for a hard start kit for your air conditioning unit, you have come to the right place. As a homeowner who has been through the process of finding the best hard start kit for my AC, I understand how overwhelming it can be with all the options available. But fear not, as I have done extensive research and have compiled a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Hard Start Kit for AC?

A hard start kit is an electrical component that helps your AC unit start up more efficiently. It works by providing an extra boost of power to the compressor during startup, reducing strain on the compressor and prolonging its lifespan. It also helps in situations where there is low voltage or when your AC is starting up after being idle for a long time.

Factors to Consider

  1. Type of Compressor: The first thing you need to consider is the type of compressor in your AC unit. There are two types – single-stage and two-stage compressors. Make sure to choose a hard start kit that is compatible with your compressor type.
  2. Voltage Rating: Check the voltage rating of the hard start kit before purchasing. It should match with your AC unit’s voltage requirements to avoid any damage.
  3. Installation: Some hard start kits require professional installation, while others can be easily installed by homeowners. If you are not comfortable with DIY projects, it’s best to opt for a professional installation.
  4. Budget: Hard start kits come in various price ranges, so it’s essential to set a budget beforehand and stick to it. Keep in mind that higher-priced kits may offer more features and better quality.

Types of Hard Start Kits

There are three types of hard start kits available – potential relay, current relay, and electronic timers. Each type works differently and has its own advantages and disadvantages.

  • Potential Relay: This type uses a high-resistance coil to create an electromagnetic field that helps kick-start the compressor.
  • Current Relay: Current relays use two magnetic coils that work together to provide an extra boost of power during startup.
  • Electronic Timers: These kits use electronic circuitry instead of relays and provide precise control over compressor starting time.

Tips for Choosing the Best Hard Start Kit

  • Read Customer Reviews: Before making a purchase, make sure to read customer reviews online. This will give you an idea about the performance and reliability of different brands and models.
  • Browse Different Brands: Don’t just settle for one brand; explore different brands and their offerings before making a final decision.
  • Inquire About Warranty: A good warranty shows that the manufacturer stands behind their product’s quality. Look for warranties that cover both parts and labor costs.

The Best Hard Start Kits Available

I have personally used several hard start kits in my AC unit over the years, but these three stand out as top performers – SPP6E Supco Super Boost Starter Capacitor Power Pack, Kickstart Ks-1 Soft Starter For Air Conditioners And Heat Pumps, and Rectorseal Kickstart T05-115V Compressor Saver Hard Start Capacitor Model T05-115VAC1D300RUH7R7XW21ZS4L21E9KJ8L11R9M6R26U5T4X8G2Z5G6F4N7M8F5K2R1Z2G3S . They all provide excellent performance at reasonable prices and come with great warranties.

In Conclusion

A hard start kit can significantly improve your AC unit’s efficiency and extend its lifespan. By considering factors like compatibility, voltage rating, installation process, budget, and reading customer reviews before purchasing one of our recommended brands/models above; you can ensure that you get the best hard start kit for your specific needs without breaking the bank.

Author Profile

Avatar
Vincent Corneille
Vincent Corneille is the innovative mind behind JukeCase, a designer music brand known for transforming vintage cases into custom-fitted stereos with vintage speakers. His journey from a meticulous Cancer Researcher to a pioneering design entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable.

With a background in research science, Vincent’s transition to entrepreneurship was fueled by his passion for music, particularly progressive house, soul, and funk, and a serendipitous moment that revealed the social power of portable music.

Starting in 2024, Vincent has expanded his horizons by venturing into blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new endeavor leverages his detailed knowledge of design and audio quality, providing his audience with insightful reviews on a variety of products.

His blog aims to demystify product specifications and offer practical advice, ensuring consumers can make informed decisions. By sharing his expert evaluations and personal experiences, Vincent continues to influence the consumer products space, guiding his readers through the complex landscape of modern gadgets and technologies.