Skip to main content
INSTANT QUOTE
New unit price in ~60 seconds
Bradford Heating and Cooling Logo
★ 4.8 · 295 Google Reviews →🛡️ AZ ROC #353859 →✔️ BBB Profile →

🔥 AC broken right now? This page is for planned services — for emergency AC repair, call Bradford now.

CALL (623) 624-6246
MicroAir EasyStart Pro — Authorized Installer

AC Soft Start Installation
Surprise, AZ & West Valley

What is a soft start? A small device that protects your AC’s motor from wearing out — installed in 30 minutes, no refrigerant work needed.

⚡ Is this for me? Yes — if your AC is 5+ years old, has had capacitor replacements, or you want to run it on a generator.

Protect your compressor. Run your AC on a generator. Eliminate the hard-start bang. Bradford installs the MicroAir EasyStart Pro — the most advanced residential soft starter available — in 30–45 minutes. Includes a complimentary $59 tune-up.

(623) 624-6246Get a Free Quote

“My capacitor used to fail every summer. Ken installed the soft start and I haven't had to replace it since. Best $995 I've spent on my AC.”

— Surprise, AZ homeowner · ★★★★★ Google Review

AZ ROC #353859 30–45 Min Installation All AC Brands & Sizes Same-Day Available 10% off for Veterans & Seniors (65+)

EasyStart Pro — Installed Price

Includes device + labor. No hidden fees. Flat-rate pricing.

$995 Installed

Includes FREE $59 tune-up · $1,054 value

Book Installation

Why Arizona Homeowners Install a Soft Start

You don't need solar or a generator to benefit. The #1 reason Bradford customers install a soft start is compressor protection — the most expensive part of your AC system.

Compressor Life Extension

Reduces startup electrical stress by up to 75%, adding 3–5 years to your compressor's life. In Arizona, where compressors run 8–12 hours a day all summer, this is the single best investment in your existing system.

Fewer Capacitor Replacements

Hard starts are the #1 cause of capacitor failure — Bradford's most common service call at $196–$416 per visit. A soft start cuts the electrical stress that kills capacitors.

Quieter Startup

The hard-start "clunk" you hear when the AC kicks on is the compressor fighting full-line voltage. With a soft start, that sound disappears — every startup becomes smooth and quiet.

The Startup Spike That Kills Compressors

Every time your AC turns on, it draws a massive surge of current. Over thousands of startups, that spike wears out your compressor, capacitor, and contactor. A soft start eliminates it.

Before and after amp reading showing AC startup current reduced from 68 amps to 17 amps with EasyStart Pro soft start

Actual startup current readings on a 3-ton residential AC unit. Results vary by unit age and condition.

SOFT START INCLUDES A FREE TUNE-UP

Every Bradford soft start installation includes a complimentary $59 A/C tune-up — a $1,054 value for $995. Bradford does both in one trip. One price, two jobs done.

30–45 min install + tune-up. All brands. Same-day available.

CALL KEN — (623) 624-6246
Solar & Generator Owners

Finally Run Your AC
on Solar Battery or Generator

Arizona ranks 6th in the nation for solar adoption — and Surprise, Peoria, and Goodyear are among the fastest-growing solar markets in the state. But most home battery systems (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, Franklin WH) can only supply 30–40 amps of surge current. A standard AC compressor hits 50–70 amps at startup — enough to trip the inverter offline and kill power to the whole house.

The EasyStart Pro cuts that startup draw by up to 75% — from 50–70 amps down to 10–15 amps. That's well within what a Powerwall or Enphase battery can handle.

The EasyStart Pro makes it possible to:

  • Run your AC on a Tesla Powerwall or Enphase battery during outages
  • Run a 3-ton AC on a 5,000–6,000 watt generator (was 15,000W)
  • Prevent inverter trips when the AC starts
  • Extend your battery runtime by reducing peak startup draw
Schedule Soft Start Installation

Generator Sizing — Before & After

2-ton AC (24,000 BTU)

Without Soft Start

~10,000W generator

With EasyStart Pro

~4,000W generator

3-ton AC (36,000 BTU)

Without Soft Start

~15,000W generator

With EasyStart Pro

~5,500W generator

4-ton AC (48,000 BTU)

Without Soft Start

~20,000W generator

With EasyStart Pro

~7,500W generator

5-ton AC (60,000 BTU)

Without Soft Start

~25,000W generator

With EasyStart Pro

~9,000W generator

* Estimates based on typical startup current reduction. Actual results vary by unit condition and model.

The Math: Does a Soft Start Pay for Itself?

For most Arizona homeowners, the answer is yes — within 2–4 years.

Capacitor Replacement

$196–$416

Every 3–5 years without soft start

Soft start extends capacitor life significantly, reducing this service call frequency

Compressor Replacement

$1,200–$2,500

Average compressor life: 10–15 years in AZ heat

Soft start can add 3–5 years to compressor life — potentially worth $500–$1,500 in deferred replacement cost

Full System Replacement

$8,900–$17,100

Triggered when compressor fails on an older unit

Delaying compressor failure by 3–5 years on a 10-year-old unit can defer a full system replacement

Bradford's Honest Assessment

A soft start is not magic. It won't fix a failing compressor or a refrigerant leak. But for a system in good working condition — especially one that's 5–12 years old — it's one of the most cost-effective ways to extend the life of your investment. Ken will tell you honestly whether your system is a good candidate before you spend a dollar.

How Bradford Installs the EasyStart Pro

1

Schedule

Call (623) 624-6246 or request a quote below. Same-day installation available. Can be combined with a tune-up to save a service call.

2

Assess

Ken inspects the condenser unit, verifies compatibility, and checks the compressor's current condition. No surprises.

3

Install

The EasyStart Pro mounts in the condenser's electrical compartment. No refrigerant work. No major disassembly. 30–45 minutes.

4

Test

Ken runs the system through multiple start cycles, verifies the soft start is functioning correctly, and shows you the difference.

About the MicroAir EasyStart Pro

The MicroAir EasyStart Pro (ASY-398-X2S-BL) is the most advanced residential soft starter on the market. Unlike basic hard-start kits that add a capacitor to boost startup torque, the EasyStart Pro is a true electronic soft starter that actively controls the voltage ramp-up profile using Bluetooth-connected adaptive algorithms.

MicroAir has been manufacturing soft starters for RV, marine, and residential applications for over 30 years. The EasyStart Pro is their flagship residential product, rated for all AC systems up to 6 tons (72,000 BTUs) on 100–250V single-phase power.

The device includes Bluetooth connectivity for monitoring startup performance via the MicroAir app, and carries a 3-year manufacturer's warranty (contractor-grade Pro version).

EasyStart Pro Specifications

ModelASY-398-X2S-BL
CompatibilityAll AC units up to 6 tons (72,000 BTU)
Voltage100–250V single-phase
Startup Current ReductionUp to 75%
ConnectivityBluetooth (iOS & Android app)
Installation Time30–45 minutes
Manufacturer Warranty3 years (contractor-grade Pro)
Made InUSA

Common Questions

AC Soft Start — Everything You Need to Know

12 questions answered by Bradford's team. Can't find your answer? Call Ken directly at (623) 624-6246.

An AC soft start (like the MicroAir EasyStart Pro) is an electronic device that controls how your air conditioner's compressor starts up. Instead of slamming the compressor with full voltage all at once — which creates a massive electrical spike — the soft start ramps the voltage up gradually over 1–2 seconds. This reduces startup current by up to 75%, protecting the compressor, capacitor, and contactor from the repeated electrical stress that causes premature failure.
No. The majority of Bradford's soft start customers have no solar or generator. The primary benefit for standard grid-connected homes is compressor life extension. In Arizona, where AC units run 8–12 hours a day all summer, a compressor hard-starts 15–25 times per day. Each hard start is mechanical and electrical stress. A soft start smooths that out, extending compressor life by an estimated 3–5 years and reducing the frequency of capacitor replacements — one of the most common HVAC service calls in the Phoenix metro.
Bradford's installed price for the MicroAir EasyStart Pro is listed on this page. Call (623) 624-6246 for current pricing. Installation typically takes 30–45 minutes and can be done during a tune-up visit or as a standalone service call.
Yes — this is one of the most popular reasons Arizona homeowners install a soft start. A standard 3-ton AC compressor draws 50–70 amps at startup, which will trip most portable generators. The EasyStart Pro reduces that startup draw by up to 75%, allowing a 3-ton AC to start on a 5,000–6,000 watt generator. It also makes it possible to run AC on solar battery backup systems that would otherwise be overwhelmed by the startup spike.
The MicroAir EasyStart Pro (model ASY-398-X2S-BL) is compatible with all residential AC units up to 6 tons (72,000 BTUs), covering 100–250V single-phase systems. This covers virtually every residential AC unit in the Surprise and West Valley area. Bradford will verify compatibility during the installation visit.
Installation typically takes 30–45 minutes. The EasyStart Pro mounts directly in the condenser unit's electrical compartment and connects to the compressor wiring. No refrigerant work, no ductwork, no major disassembly required. Bradford can perform the installation during a scheduled tune-up to save you a separate service call.
Generally no. The EasyStart Pro is a non-invasive add-on that does not alter the refrigerant circuit or mechanical components of your AC system. However, Bradford recommends checking your specific manufacturer warranty terms. MicroAir provides a 3-year warranty on the EasyStart Pro device itself.
Bradford installs the MicroAir EasyStart Pro — the contractor-grade version with a 3-year warranty, not the consumer EasyStart Pro available on Amazon. The Pro must be properly wired by a licensed HVAC technician; incorrect installation can cause compressor damage. Ken Bradford holds Arizona ROC License #353859 and has installed soft starts on a wide range of residential AC systems in Surprise, Peoria, Goodyear, and surrounding West Valley communities.
A soft start does not significantly reduce your monthly electric bill — it doesn't change how much power your AC uses while running, only how it starts up. The financial benefit comes from extending the life of your compressor and capacitor, reducing the frequency of expensive repairs. In Arizona, where a compressor replacement runs $1,800–$3,200 and capacitor replacements run $196–$416, avoiding even one of these repairs over the life of the soft start more than pays for the installation.
Yes. The MicroAir EasyStart Pro is compatible with all major residential AC brands — Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, York, American Standard, and others. It works with any single-phase AC compressor up to 6 tons (72,000 BTUs). Bradford installs soft starts on all brands, not just Trane. If you're unsure about compatibility, call (623) 624-6246 and Ken will confirm before scheduling.
If the EasyStart Pro fails, your AC will typically revert to hard-starting — the same way it operated before the soft start was installed. Your AC will still run; it just won't have the startup protection. The EasyStart Pro includes a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Bradford can replace a failed unit quickly since it's a straightforward swap — no refrigerant work required. In practice, the EasyStart Pro is a solid-state electronic device with no moving parts and a very low failure rate.
It depends on the age and condition of the system. If your AC is 8–12 years old and otherwise in good shape, a soft start can extend its life by 2–4 years — potentially delaying a $10,000–$18,000 replacement. If the system is 14+ years old or has had repeated compressor or capacitor issues, Bradford will give you an honest assessment: sometimes the better investment is a new system with a 10-year warranty rather than extending the life of an aging one. Ken will tell you which situation you're in before recommending the soft start.

Still have questions?

Ken answers the phone personally — no call centers, no runaround.

CALL (623) 624-6246
AZ ROC #353859
4.8★ Google Rating
Same-Day Available
Flat-Rate Pricing
4.8· 276 Google Reviews

STAY CONNECTED WITH BRADFORD

Follow us, share the love, and help your neighbors find honest HVAC service.

Like Us

Follow Bradford on Facebook for tips & updates

Share the Deal

Share our $59 tune-up offer with your Facebook friends

Subscribe

Watch HVAC tips & behind-the-scenes on YouTube

Refer a Friend

Text a friend — you both get $250 when they book

$59/Unit A/C Tune-Up — Limited Time
(623) 624-6246BOOK NOWTEXT USINSTANT QUOTE