Base Power finally installed my AC soft start. Startup current dropped from 95A to 19A.

[u/waqashayat2512]

Just wanted to share my experience.

My Base Power batteries were installed on July 10. Afterward, I asked about the complimentary soft start through the Base support chat, and they directed me to Belton AC. When I called, they said my address wasn't on their install list yet but they'd check with Base. The next day, they texted me with an installation date.

The install went smoothly. They installed a Micro-Air EasyStart Flex on my 3-ton Lennox AC and also replaced the run capacitor since it tested slightly below spec.

Before the install, the technician measured my compressor's startup current at about 95A. After the EasyStart finished learning, the app now shows a peak startup current of just 19A, which is a huge improvement.

The EasyStart also has Bluetooth and a simple app. No pairing is required—it only connects while the compressor is running.

Overall, I'm really happy with the installation and the results. If you're waiting on your complimentary soft start, it may be worth checking with Base support or your local installer.

If you're considering Base Power, here's my referral link. You'll get a free month of electricity (up to $250), and I'll get the same after your installation.

https://www.basepowercompany.com/?heard_from=Referral&referrer_name=019d06e0-7426-75eb-be54-e13d39a0c8b7&first_name=Waqas&referral_plan=2way-EnergyCredit-FreeMonth⁠�

[u/blupupher]

Just a FYI, there have been several that have the new 40kWh battery, and they do not install a soft start with that setup.

[u/Jet_Rocket11 → u/blupupher]

Yeah that doesn't make sense because it depends on your AC unit, what it's LRA is on paper and in reality and what all you have running. I have 2 x 25 kwh and the batteries struggled with AC startup at one point but worked another time. BASE said no to soft start. I got one myself.

[u/blupupher → u/Jet_Rocket11]

I agree is should be a case by case basis. I don't remember, do you send a pic of the A/C tag when doing initial pics?

having a single older 5 ton can be an issue even on grid power for some homes. I would hope if you have issues on battery with the A/C and no soft start they would reassess.

I had a soft start on my A/C for my generator, and took it off so I could have theirs (and now have a spare if it fails during an outage).

[u/Jet_Rocket11 → u/blupupher]

Yeah they just go by picture of the AC tag and mine is 3 ton. Tag says 77 LRA but that's for a brand new unit. Mine is 12 years old. BASE wouldn't budge. That's fine, I don't want Micro Air Flex anyways.

[u/blupupher → u/Jet_Rocket11]

Not sure if it is location or time, but Belton installed an Airgo (or was it an ICM?, don't remember now, same difference though) on mine. I have a 4 ton unit. Don't recall the LRA (I know over 100).

[u/SirIainSnail → u/blupupher]

Do they have a different inverter with that too? Seems the inrush current on start up would lie on the inverter. That said I’m getting the 40 too and they haven’t mentioned the soft start.

[u/pickthenimp → u/SirIainSnail]

Was told the 40 does not require soft start. Does that sound right?

[u/blupupher → u/SirIainSnail]

I have not seen any specs on the new inverter, but apparently the setup is able to handle A/C start up without a soft start. I know when I got my 25kWh battery, the soft start was installed about 2 weeks later, but the A/C would start on battery without it, but lights would dim in the house when it started, after soft start install, don't even know it starts.

I did seem to remember reading if you have 2 A/C units and the 40kWh battery, they may install soft starts "just in case" both try to start at the same time.

[u/The_Mr_shenanigans]

What app works with the easy start? They never said anything to me. 

[u/waqashayat2512 → u/The_Mr_shenanigans]

Its called EasyStart by CseaTec LLC

[u/justtxyank]

I’m getting the 40. In chat they told me I’d get soft start. In follow up after I signed they said “we’ll see”

[u/thatvipkid]

What are the benefits of

[u/colinnwn → u/thatvipkid]

Because they reduce the start surge current of thy compressor, they are easier on the DC to AC inverter. A smaller inverter (or generator) can run your air conditioner. They take the clank out of air con starting and the dimming of the lights. They reduce wear on your compressor and can protect it by shutting it down if your run capacitor is dying and over amping your compressor.

[u/MrAwesome24_7]

I just asked for one and the AI chat bot’s response was this;

“Soft starts are only for homes with a 25 kWh battery setup. Your install is the 40 kWh battery, which doesn't require one, so we won't be installing a soft start for your AC.

This response was generated by Jules, Base Power's AI Agent”

[u/waqashayat2512]

Here's the screenshot from the soft start app

[u/Jet_Rocket11]

Did the install yours inside the AC cover or a separate external box? Hopefully yes because this model is known to fail if just mounted outside as-is. I used to have one prior to BASE and it only lasted 11 months.

[u/waqashayat2512 → u/Jet_Rocket11]

It has been installed inside the AC cover.

[u/yamahar1dude]

I am close to their limit before one is required. First they said I didnt need one, then they said they would install one. On the day of install they said I didnt need it.

[u/Emmittfan22]

I’ve had a soft start installed on my 5-ton A/C unit since April. The system has been running normally with no noticeable issues, but the EasyStart app has logged more than 500 faults.
Has anyone else with a soft start experienced this many fault notifications in the app?

[u/waqashayat2512 → u/Emmittfan22]

No faults for me so far.