Part 2: Soft Start Killed Compressor Followup Service & Maintenance - The FIX Revealed
72K views · Sep 8, 2023 · Howto & Style
Comments · 477
@racerx00 · 3 years ago (edited)
Why install a hard start when you know they have off-grid solar which requires a soft start? You can’t have a hard start and a soft start in the same application, which means they either need to live with no AC during power outages (and will have to manually turn off that breaker while on battery to avoid tripping the inverter) or they will need to replace the hard start with a soft start, money out the door.
111
@stephenvale2624 · 1 year ago (edited)
i can also agree with some of the other commenters. Click bait title. Soft start may have failed but it did not kill the compressor. And I also agree with those who said you need a soft start with a generator. When i installed a Generac whole house generator here in north Texas it really bogged down almost stalling when it kicked in. The same brand soft start as you found cured it. (I installed the larger load model they sell).<br>Your "new" customer may not be so happy with your services the first time they lose utility power and need the Tesla wall to run their central air and it trips off the Tesla backup due to overload.
15
@bhbaker220 · 3 years ago
I thought I had a problem with my easy start (soft start). Took it out and was about to throw it away too. But found that the compressor would not start. I put the hard start back in that I had the AC guy put in from the start and it worked. The Easy Start guys said check the capacitor. I thought they were full of crap but I checked it and the fan was good by the therm was bad. I changed the capacitor and too the hard start off and it fired right up. I put the Easy Start back in, retrained it and it’s been working fine even on these 100+ degrees days in Texas. Don’t throw that soft start away!
43
@TsaWind · 2 years ago
Please tell me that someone tested the system when it goes off grid. Does everything function as designed, or does this system still need a soft start? Ideally it should just be upgraded to a newer and more efficient system, but of course that is a lot of money added to the 2 service calls already paid for.<br>I would be PISSED if my system worked off grid, it broke, called a professional, they removed a part, then got charged for a cleaning that might have "fixed" the original problem, and now my system no longer works off grid.<br>The theatrics on the internet is cool for views and all, but I really hope you remedy this situation if indeed they no longer have A/C during power outages.
19
@wmcomprev · 3 years ago (edited)
Soft Starts can be good, but as anything, they can fail. If that's the part that went bad, then it's the part that needs fixed. In this case, the quickest & simplest fix was to remove it. However, with the Tesla battery system, it may be a good idea to put a replacement soft start onto the system. Soft starts are also good for those who use a backup generator. The AC can frequently run on the generator's current ability, but can't start on the generator's current capability. Replacing the soft start with a hard start will still reduce the inrush of current, but it kicks the compressor a lot harder than the soft start does.<br><br>That said, I wouldn't have said that the soft start killed the compressor. The compressor is fine. It was simply shutting down the compressor.
18
@evertmorse8518 · 3 months ago
There it is. Problem -> "undersized" soft start. This doesn't mean soft starts don't work. Putting the correct one is makes all the difference.
2
@kilicarslanbayrak98 · 3 years ago
I appreciate the detailed list of tools in the video description, it's helpful for DIY enthusiasts
3
@BuffaloChicken · 3 years ago
Mikey Pipes I appreciate customer service and you nailed it!
3
@harryrodriguez893 · 3 months ago
So how does this fix help the powerwall without the soft start?
1
@JBK63 · 3 years ago (edited)
The minimum and maximum button on a fluke meter does not capture inrush current. Other fluke meters have that function. The reason you have a different reading compared to your previous visit it’s because the hard start changed the timing of the window that min max would see
16
@TallCoasterGuy · 2 years ago
Didn’t know hard start lowered the LRA, curious if the Powerwall likes it
2
@3onthetree713 · 2 years ago
You mentioned part one of this video.The only mistake I saw you make in that video was you forgot to turn the faucet off after you found out there wasn't any water at that location. As for soft starts,,,,they can fail just like anything we use these days.When your video says it killed the compressor its a bit misleading but hell man nobody's perfect.If it were me I would've suggested a new soft start which is needed for their system, cleaned the coil as you did and been done.All in all if I needed ac service I wouldn't hesitate to call you.Its simply a difference of opinion and we all know what they say about opinions.Great video and I think you are a damn good service tech that we should all be thankful for.Great job pal.
1
Up next

Central AC System Not Cooling Totally Flat Poorly Installed System STEP BY STEP FIX REVEALED
Mikey Pipes - Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Heating & Air · 24K views

New System Predictably Failing Before It’s 4 Years Old! #hvaclife #hvacguy #hvactrainingvideos
HVAC GUY · 97K views

The Therapist Office A/C isn't keeping up! "Its way too hot!!" 🥵🫠#hvac #bluecollar #grind #diy
The rookie HVAC KID · 754 views

Hard Starts vs Soft Starts w/ Matteo Giovanetti
HVAC School · 126K views

Residential Steam Boiler Maintenance Service for Beginners (and Experienced Techs)
Mikey Pipes - Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Heating & Air · 62K views

Trane RTAF 500 chiller screw compressor replacement
CREATIVEHVACR · 10K views

Customer Wanted a Second Opinion... Here's What I Found.
JustintimeHVAC · 126K views

Central A/C Service Call Reveals Horrific Prior HVAC Maintenance
Mikey Pipes Orlando - Pipe Doctor Home Services · 4.3K views

DIY install of air conditioner soft-start (Micro-Air Easy Start Flex) - so much quieter!
Dmitry Brant · 159K views

Soft Start Killed Compressor! UNEDITED Central AC Service Call for No Air Conditioning Revealed!
Mikey Pipes - Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Heating & Air · 356K views

Do You Really Need a Bosch IDS 2.0 Dual Fuel Heat Pump And Central AC?
Mikey Pipes - Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Heating & Air · 35K views

The Top 7 Things AC Companies Don't Want You To Know How To Do!
How To Home · 681K views

Paying THOUSANDS to Heat Pool by Heat Pump? Natural Gas Heater & Viega MegaPress-G for the WIN!
Mikey Pipes - Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Heating & Air · 27K views

My First Time Installing a Micro-Air EasyStart 368
Fire Sprinkler Tech · 58K views

Central AC Annual Maintenance Service Call
Mikey Pipes - Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Heating & Air · 5.7K views

Proper Techniques When Replacing Central AC Equipment Explained
Mikey Pipes - Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Heating & Air · 11K views

Capacitor and Hard Start Myths Busted
HVAC School · 309K views

Installing Soft Start on Air Conditioner. 71% Reduction in Starting Amps.
Country View Solar - DIY Projects & Reviews · 37K views

Don’t Get Ripped Off! How To Avoid The AC Capacitor Scam And Save $500
How To Home · 549K views

How to Install a Soft Start | Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Soft Start
Ideal Conditions · 4.6K views

My Dream Power Hammer Restoration! Part 10
Alec Steele · 831K views

Why Isn't This Installed On Every AC?
The DIY HVAC Guy · 216K views

How to Find a Low Voltage Short in an HVAC System — Full Troubleshooting Lesson
Pioneer HVAC Controls · 23K views

Rewinding An Alternator Into A Hydroelectric Generator
FarmCraft101 · 669K views

Central AC Replacement Outdoor Condenser & Evaporator Coil - Step by Step Process Explained
Mikey Pipes - Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Heating & Air · 11K views

This $150 Soft Start Allows You To Run Your A/C With A Generator! Introducing The ICM870
The DIY HVAC Guy · 353K views