Adding soft start to new HVAC system

[spacejamz]

Has anyone added one of these to their HVAC system?

Outside of the installation cost (was quoted $700), seems like something to good to have, mainly less shock/wear and tear and should use less electricity when then system starts up.

My system is about 18 months old and the quote was from the vendor who installed the system (which was a new build).

Any other pros/cons to consider?

 

[stargazr]

I do not have one, but was offered the upgrade for about the same cost.

It did sound like a good idea for longer compressor life I guess. I just didn't have extra money lying around for something like that, so I passed. I still have 5 years left on my warranty.

I don't think it would save enough electricity to buy it on that point alone.

I did find this on Reddit, suggesting that they are a good idea for compressor life. Doesn't appear to be any downside.

https://www.reddit.com/r/hvacadvice/comments/14nyd28/how_does_a_soft_start_work_and_what_is_the

Anyway, I should probably reconsider. I'd like to get all I can out of my AC past the warranty.

 

[Greenman]

Lot's of opinions, very little hard data that doesn't come from someone selling the devices.
It seems like a gentler startup would have some positive impact on motor life, so why wouldn't it apply to commercial motors used in high end wood working tools? Longevity is everything in that market, and an extra two or three hundred bucks to extend the life of a $10k tool is nothing.

 

[spacejamz]

Lot's of opinions, very little hard data that doesn't come from someone selling the devices.
It seems like a gentler startup would have some positive impact on motor life, so why wouldn't it apply to commercial motors used in high end wood working tools? Longevity is everything in that market, and an extra two or three hundred bucks to extend the life of a $10k tool is nothing.

I recall reading that soft starts were more common in commercial usage since the motors are much stronger than residential units...

but that was commercial HVAC usage, not wood working tools...

 

[deadlyapp]

Lot's of opinions, very little hard data that doesn't come from someone selling the devices.
It seems like a gentler startup would have some positive impact on motor life, so why wouldn't it apply to commercial motors used in high end wood working tools? Longevity is everything in that market, and an extra two or three hundred bucks to extend the life of a $10k tool is nothing.

Soft starts are used a ton on commercial motors but we're talking hundreds of HP. The primary benefit is to reduce inrush current to prevent voltage drop. I would say it could be beneficial in a system where the electrical service is undersized and drops voltage when the compressor starts.

I looked at installing one when I had a portable generator that couldn't handle our central AC on startup but would be fine during operation. Ultimately we ended up just buying a new house anyways.