A hard start kit is a small, capacitor-based device that gives your air conditioner’s compressor an extra jolt of power the instant it switches on. That boost helps the compressor push past startup resistance, reach full speed faster, and run under less strain. For Parker, CO homes that lean hard on their AC through hot, dry Front Range summers, that added help can meaningfully extend compressor life.

Not every air conditioner needs one, though. Hard start kits pay off most on older units, on compressors that hesitate or click before catching, and on systems where the indoor coil sits far from the outdoor condenser. 1st Choice Pro Services can measure your compressor’s startup draw and tell you whether a kit is a smart, low-cost upgrade or an add-on you can skip.

How a Hard Start Kit Works

Hard Start Kit

A hard start kit is designed to assist your compressor on start-up. If your inside air conditioning coil is located more than 50 feet from your outside condensing unit, you probably need a hard start kit to assist your compressor when it turns on. You see, your air conditioner works like a pump circulating the refrigerant throughout your system. The harder the pump has to work the less efficient it is and the more likely it is to break down. A hard start kit helps your air conditioner when it needs help most when it first starts up and has to begin the pumping process. The addition of a hard start kit will extend the life of your compressor, which could save you from the high cost of a repair or replacement.