MicroAir Easy-Start: Run Your AC on a Generator During Power Outages and Emergencies

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The Micro-Air EasyStart Flex 398 (Amazon link) is a device that is permanently installed and wired into your air conditioner that significantly reduces the starting amps (up to 75%), by ramping up the current over a slightly longer period of time.  It also turns on the fan motor and runs it for a few seconds prior to powering up the compressor. This device works all the time, working to extend the life of the compressor and acting as a sacrificial device in an electrical power surge. Without such a device installed, there would be a requirement for a significantly larger generator that can handle the starting amps of the compressor and fan motor at the same time.

NOTE: The MicroAir Easy Start does not cut down the running amps of fully electric heating, so this would mean you need to:

  • A) Plan for an alternative heat source like a propane little buddy heater (Amazon link)
  • B) Buy a generator with enough amps to cover the electric heating.

Benefits of Installing a Micro-Air EasyStart Flex 398

  • Gentle startup, reducing mechanical stress and extending the lifespan of your expensive air conditioning system.
  • Reduces startup current by up to 75%.
  • Specially engineered to work with generators, inverters, and limited utility power.
  • Reduces the kerthump startup noise and prevents light flickering, creating a quieter, more comfortable environment.
  • The intelligent fault detection and short-cycle delay timer protect your compressor motor from low-voltage damage and excessive wear, extending the life of your AC unit and delivering peace of mind.
  • The Micro-Air EasyStart Flex 398 is designed for all sizes of residential AC units up to 6 tons (72,000 BTUs).

Running Your HVAC On Generator Power

Be aware that smaller generators are not capable of running an air conditioner. Medium size generators can be capable of running the cooling of an air conditioner, and the largest of generators can run the cooling of an air conditioner, but are less fuel efficient.

Heat Pump

If your air conditioner is a fully electric air conditioner, they still use a high-amp heat strip for heat that is beyond the capacity of most portable generators, requiring over 40amps of power. If your system is a standard fully electric HVAC, you will most likely not be able to run your heating from a generator, unless you buy something like a whole-home standby generator. These can cost $5,000 to $10,000 for the generator, plus installation.  Additionally, you may need to purchase a propane tank and have that installed (and filled) as well.

Propane or Natural Gas Heating

If your HVAC system is propane or natural gas for heating, there is a high likelihood that simply running the 120v electric blower motor of your HVAC combined with the natural gas or propane heating source of the HVAC system will run just fine.

Check out the Micro-Air EasyStart Flex (Amazon link) this new Flex unit is designed for all sizes of residential AC units up to 6 tons (72,000 BTUs).

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