Why Do My Lights Dim When My AC Starts?Published: February 14, 2019
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If you notice that lights in your home dim when your air conditioner comes on, there is a reason. A heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit requires up to seven times more power to start than to run. This demand for extra power can affect electrical fixtures and damage the HVAC unit. Installing a 5-2-1 Compressor Saver reduces both the amount of power and time needed to start the AC system.

Compressor Savers Reduce Electrical Usage

Specifications for HVAC systems include rated load amperage and locked rotor amperage. Rated load amperage describes the amount of power required to run the system. Locked rotor amperage describes the amount of power required to start the unit.

As units age and components become worn, locked rotor amperage increases. For example, a new system may have a rated load amperage of 13 and a locked rotor amperage of 73. A 5-year-old system may have a locked rotor amperage of 85. A 5-2-1 Compressor Saver can cut the startup amperage by up to 50 percent.

Advantages of a 5-2-1 Compressor Saver

A compressor saver has many advantages. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that approximately 12 percent of the energy used by an average household goes for air conditioning. In humid, hot climates like that in Florida, this can be as much as 27 percent. A compressor saver reduces the amount of electricity required to start the unit. Because units start and stop many times throughout a day, this can result in noticeable energy savings. Using less electricity means lower electrical bills, saving money and energy.

A hard start kit extends the life of the compressor of your HVAC unit by reducing surges and boosting power. Compressors do not have to work as hard to start. Without a hard start kit, start capacitors may fail from overheating and power surges, resulting in more strain on the compressor and costly repairs.

Installing a Compressor Saver

A compressor saver must be installed by a licensed, trained technician. The technicians at Ellington Air Conditioning & Heat undergo rigorous training to stay at the leading edge of new technology. We evaluate your heating and cooling needs, budget and lifestyle and make recommendations that save energy and money without sacrificing comfort.

For more information about restoring capacity and reducing energy usage, call the experts at Ellington at (321) 248-4838 in Rockledge.