[twinsportz]

My AC was blowing hot air, called the company who installed it, and the technician determined that it needed a new compressor capacitor. That cost $283. He also suggested I let him install a hard start kit for an additional $247.

After seeing how simple of a task it looked to be I declined his offer. Since then, I have read conflicting posts on whether or not I should even bother to install one.

Apparently the compressor is pulling 121 start up amps. The unit is a Carrier 38TXA060 351. It's pretty big.

I'm wondering if I should go ahead and put one in. And, if so, what specific model works best. I think the technician had a Supco, but I don't know what model.

Thanks for the help!

 

[yuri]

He is trying to upsell you. If all it needed was one capacitor then thats all you need. We don't install hard start capacitors unless the compressor is getting old/stiff/seizing up and they usually make it last a year or 2 B4 it dies completely. That is a 5 ton unit and a big one.

 

[twinsportz]

Thanks! I'm glad I didn't fall for it. I had a gut feeling he was just trying to milk some more money out of the deal.

 

[NitrNate]

wow, that is insane. capacitor is like $10-$15 and hard start kits aren't that much either, maybe $20. that kind of charge isn't uncommon apparently. they tried the same thing with my buddy and i put the cap in for the cost of the part and a couple beers.