EasyStart for AC

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.

There is no efficiency or noise benefit after startup from the Easystart. If you want to be confident that you can always get the a/c running regardless of temp conditions or short cycling then get the Easystart. If you want to be confident that you can always keep it running even at high altitudes or if you want to be able to run anything else at the same time then get the second generator. 

Good question on whether the autotransformer helps with startup. Autotransformers are used all the time to reduce inrush and startup currents in big industrial motors, so it might help. Try it and see.

Weird that WFCO would remove the circuit breaker for the converter. Since its an integrated product I suppose they could obtain a listing for it without that but boy what a crummy place to save a couple of bucks. Can you take a photo of your panel and post it?  

I don't know if there is any benefit to using the Autoformer when running the generator. I have not tried it. I think that would be a question for Hughes since they would have the technical data that I don't.

Edit: I emailed Hughes to ask and will post their reply when it arrives.

Edit: This is the reply I received from Hughes:

Hello Stephen,