EasyStart for AC

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   Hello vbdomenico and welcome!

I installed an EasyStart on our AC. I have a Generac iX2000 which is 2200 surge, 2000 running watts. I do notice a difference with the EasyStart. There are several considerations.

First, when you were running the AC, you were at a low temperature and not that far above sea level. Increase the outside temperature to 90 degrees and the startup would be more difficult. A restart of the compressor (like it was cycling off and on to keep the temperature cool) is harder than starting it initially since there is likely still some back pressure in the lines that could increase the starting current needed if I understand correctly. Also, were you running it through the Hughes Autoformer when you were running it on the generator also? That may have made a difference. I recently got one, but have not tried it with the generator.

The test while plugged in may not have captured the initial surge current. I am not sure how fast the Autoformer reacts. How were you monitoring the current anyway? The autoformer does not have gauges, just lights so how were you getting the reading? The EasyStart does little for operating sound of the AC except that it is not a jolt when the compressor starts. It is a smoother start, but the fan noise does not really change. As for the generator, count on about 3% loss in engine power (and generator capacity) per 1000 ft of altitude. At 1000 ft, it is not bad. Try at 6000 ft, and your test might not have been so successful.

Now for the converter, you don't need to pull fuses, just turn the breaker off. I need to do this with my iX2000 if the battery requires significant charging. I recently changed from two 6V Pb-Acid batteries to one LiFePO4 battery. The LiFePO4 battery does not have a float charge, so once it is charged, the converter is basically just supplying the lights and other 110V appliances. When you turn the converter off, you will not be charging the battery/batteries so anything needing 12V is going to be using your battery power. You will need to keep track of your battery charge state and allow for recharging if you turn the breaker for the converter off.

If you do not think you will be camping in extreme temperatures or at higher elevations, you may not need the EasyStart. OTOH, it may be beneficial. I don't know how new your AC unit is. It may be that Dometic has reengineered the unit to use less power to start and run. If so, then you may be okay. I know that when I was using a 15A outlet from my house, I could start the AC, but after a while, the breaker would trip due to the load. Since then, I have installed a 30A RV outlet at home. The igen2200 is rated for 1800 running watts and 2200 surge watts. You may just see if it works well in real life use, not just testing. If it doesn't, then go for the EasyStart.

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StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288	Topic: EasyStart for AC Posted: 27 May 2020 at 9:27pm
	Hello vbdomenico and welcome! I installed an EasyStart on our AC. I have a Generac iX2000 which is 2200 surge, 2000 running watts. I do notice a difference with the EasyStart. There are several considerations. First, when you were running the AC, you were at a low temperature and not that far above sea level. Increase the outside temperature to 90 degrees and the startup would be more difficult. A restart of the compressor (like it was cycling off and on to keep the temperature cool) is harder than starting it initially since there is likely still some back pressure in the lines that could increase the starting current needed if I understand correctly. Also, were you running it through the Hughes Autoformer when you were running it on the generator also? That may have made a difference. I recently got one, but have not tried it with the generator. The test while plugged in may not have captured the initial surge current. I am not sure how fast the Autoformer reacts. How were you monitoring the current anyway? The autoformer does not have gauges, just lights so how were you getting the reading? The EasyStart does little for operating sound of the AC except that it is not a jolt when the compressor starts. It is a smoother start, but the fan noise does not really change. As for the generator, count on about 3% loss in engine power (and generator capacity) per 1000 ft of altitude. At 1000 ft, it is not bad. Try at 6000 ft, and your test might not have been so successful. Now for the converter, you don't need to pull fuses, just turn the breaker off. I need to do this with my iX2000 if the battery requires significant charging. I recently changed from two 6V Pb-Acid batteries to one LiFePO4 battery. The LiFePO4 battery does not have a float charge, so once it is charged, the converter is basically just supplying the lights and other 110V appliances. When you turn the converter off, you will not be charging the battery/batteries so anything needing 12V is going to be using your battery power. You will need to keep track of your battery charge state and allow for recharging if you turn the breaker for the converter off. If you do not think you will be camping in extreme temperatures or at higher elevations, you may not need the EasyStart. OTOH, it may be beneficial. I don't know how new your AC unit is. It may be that Dometic has reengineered the unit to use less power to start and run. If so, then you may be okay. I know that when I was using a 15A outlet from my house, I could start the AC, but after a while, the breaker would trip due to the load. Since then, I have installed a 30A RV outlet at home. The igen2200 is rated for 1800 running watts and 2200 surge watts. You may just see if it works well in real life use, not just testing. If it doesn't, then go for the EasyStart.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

vbdomenico Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 19 Apr 2020 Location: Kansas City, MO Online Status: Offline Posts: 57	Posted: 27 May 2020 at 8:37pm
	I know there has been some discussion on this, but I am considering having a Micro-Air EasyStart added to my AC. I have an igen2200 Westinghouse generator and thought the EasyStart would be necessary to use it to run the AC. I will also be parking at job sites that will just have standard outlets, likely running on 15 amp service. Well today I tried using my AC for the first time with my generator. It seemed to startup and work just fine, it definitely added a load to the generator, but startup didn't seem to bog it down anymore than when the AC was already going. Additionally, I ran my AC while plugged into a standard outlet at my house, while monitoring it with my Hughes autoformer. When the compressor kicked on, the amps went up to about 15, then stayed at 12-14 while running. So is there justification for adding an EasyStart? I have read that it helps the generator run more efficiently, and can make the AC run quieter. Also, I tried it when it was around 78 degrees out and I am at about 1,000' elevation. I know it might not work as well if I get to a higher elevation. 2nd question is regarding turning off the convertor (by pulling the fuse) when running the AC. I noticed it dropped the load by about 2-3 amps (after the battery charged fully), and everything seemed to work fine (12 volt lights etc.). When I am plugged into power (generator or shore) does pulling the convertor fuse change anything other than not charging the battery? Sorry for the long questions, just want to avoid an unnecessary expense. Thanks!