Slash AC Startup Amps: Micro-Air Easy Start Review

Running a full-sized air conditioner on a portable generator or a smaller inverter is often a non-starter due to the massive inrush current. But what if there was a simple device that could drastically cut that startup surge? I put the Micro-Air Easy Start 368 Soft Starter to the test on my Trane AC unit, and the results were pretty awesome.

Disclosure: Micro-Air sent this unit for testing. All opinions and test results are my own.

What I Built

The core of this project was installing the Micro-Air Easy Start 368 onto my existing Trane air conditioner unit. This isn't a complex build, but it does involve working with your AC's electrical components, so if you're not familiar with HVAC wiring, it’s best to consult a professional. The Easy Start unit itself is compact and came in a clear plastic housing, making the internal components visible.

Installation involved carefully rerouting some existing wires within the AC unit's electrical compartment. Specifically, the orange wire from the Micro-Air Easy Start was connected to the herm terminal on the capacitor. The brown wire from the Easy Start connected to the red wire that was originally going to the contactor. The white wire from the Easy Start then went to the contactor, and the black wire connected to the black side of the contactor. Once all the connections were made and secured, the unit was ready for its learning cycles.

Why It Works

The magic of the Micro-Air Easy Start lies in its soft start technology. Standard AC compressors, when they first kick on, draw a huge surge of electricity – known as inrush current – to get the motor spinning. This instantaneous high demand can trip breakers, stress electrical systems, and exceed the capacity of smaller generators or inverters.

A soft starter works by gradually ramping up the power to the compressor motor. Instead of an immediate, full-power jolt, it slowly increases the voltage and frequency, allowing the motor to start smoothly. This controlled startup significantly reduces the peak amperage draw, making the load much more manageable for power sources with limited surge capacity, like portable generators or smaller home battery systems. It also reduces mechanical stress and heat on the compressor, potentially extending its lifespan.

Parts & Specs

• Soft Starter: Micro-Air Easy Start 368 (Part Number: ASY-368-X48-BLUE)
• AC Unit: Full-size Trane Air Conditioner
• Weight: 3.0 lbs (for the Easy Start unit)

Math & Run-Time Numbers

Before installing the Easy Start, I measured the inrush and running amperage of my AC unit. The initial inrush current was a whopping 93.9 amps. Once the unit was running, the sustained amperage was around 6.1 amps.

After installing the Easy Start, the unit needed a few learning cycles to optimize its performance. Here's how the inrush amperage dropped during these cycles:

• Cycle 1: 22.2 amps (a significant reduction right away!)
• Cycle 2: 23.9 amps
• Cycle 3: 21.7 amps
• Cycle 4: 19.6 amps

The running amperage remained fairly consistent, around 6.1 to 6.6 amps, which is expected as the soft starter only affects the startup phase. The final inrush of 19.6 amps represents a massive reduction from the original 93.9 amps, making a huge difference in the load profile.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Dramatic Inrush Reduction: Significantly drops the initial power surge, making AC units compatible with smaller generators and inverters.
• Extends Compressor Life: Reduces mechanical stress and heat on the compressor, potentially leading to a longer lifespan for your AC unit.
• Grid Savings: While individual startups are brief, consistently reducing peak demand can lead to minor, cumulative electricity savings over time.
• Easy Installation: Fairly straightforward for those comfortable with basic electrical work, with clear instructions provided.

Cons:

• Initial Learning Cycles: Requires several startup cycles to fully optimize its performance, so immediate peak reduction isn't instant.
• Cost: An upfront investment, though the potential savings and extended equipment life could offset this.

When To Use This vs. Alternatives

The Micro-Air Easy Start is an excellent solution for anyone looking to power a full-size air conditioner with a portable generator, a smaller inverter, or a limited home battery backup system. If your generator struggles to start your AC, or if you want to protect your compressor from repeated high-stress startups, this device is ideal.

Alternatives might include buying a larger, more expensive generator with higher surge capacity, or upgrading your entire electrical service. However, for most homeowners and tinkerers, the Easy Start offers a cost-effective and practical solution without needing to replace major appliances or infrastructure.

Bottom Line

The Micro-Air Easy Start 368 Soft Starter delivers on its promise, drastically cutting the inrush current of a standard AC unit. My tests showed a reduction from nearly 94 amps down to under 20 amps, which is a game-changer for generator compatibility and protecting your compressor. If you want to expand your off-grid capabilities or simply extend the life of your AC, this device is a solid investment.

Final Wrap-Up

I hope this breakdown of the Micro-Air Easy Start was helpful. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below! Be sure to like this post and subscribe to the YouTube channel for more hands-on tests and DIY energy solutions. You can also check out our gear page for links to all the equipment I use and recommend.