A/C Soft start blocks fan next to compressor

[benjburton]

I got a soft start for my A/C, but it's very large. The only place it fits is next to the compressor, in front of the fan. In the photo, you'll notice that it blocks about half of the opening of the fan. Should this be a concern? My concern is that the airflow would be reduced around the refrigerant lines, ultimately decreasing the cooling ability of the unit. Any opinions or knowledge of how this is intended to work, and if I should or should not mount it in this location? Note that I did try to get it to fit in the box housing the capacitor, but not even close to fitting.

[Shane826]

I need more pictures to be sure but since that fan goes to the outside I assume it’s the condenser fan? If so it’s drawing air from that side and pushing through the condenser, presumably on the other side not viewable on the picture. If that’s the case it should be fine.

[benjburton]

Originally Posted by Shane826

I need more pictures to be sure but since that fan goes to the outside I assume it’s the condenser fan? If so it’s drawing air from that side and pushing through the condenser, presumably on the other side not viewable on the picture. If that’s the case it should be fine.

Thanks, here's a couple more pictures. I thought the blades were blowing air on the condenser, but that was just me testing by spinning by hand. So maybe it is the opposite.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by benjburton

Thanks, here's a couple more pictures. I thought the blades were blowing air on the condenser, but that was just me testing by spinning by hand. So maybe it is the opposite.

That looks like the exhaust part of the fan. I share your concern.

Could you mount it on top of the receiver/dryer with 3M VHB double sided tape?

[benjburton]

Originally Posted by Wavery

That looks like the exhaust part of the fan. I share your concern.

Could you mount it on top of the receiver/dryer with 3M VHB double sided tape?

Thanks for the reply and the suggestion.
I'll have to see if it will fit, but I'm doubtful. That refrigerant line sits quite a bit above the compressor. Also, mounting to the cylindrical shape wouldn't give much surface area for the VHB tape to stick. Worth a look though. Thanks.

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[Bill]

Originally Posted by benjburton

Also, mounting to the cylindrical shape wouldn't give much surface area for the VHB tape to stick.

Perhaps you could use the VHB tape to anchor it against sliding, but actually strap it down firmly with long BLACK zip ties. Be sure to use the black ones, not the white.

I assume that the SoftStart box doesn't require a specific mounting orientation. Would it be thin enough if you mount it on its back?

Bill

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by benjburton

Thanks for the reply and the suggestion.
I'll have to see if it will fit, but I'm doubtful. That refrigerant line sits quite a bit above the compressor. Also, mounting to the cylindrical shape wouldn't give much surface area for the VHB tape to stick. Worth a look though. Thanks.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

Oh wow! That is the compressor

What flavor A/C unit is that? I've never seen a compressor that shape.

That VHB Tape is very strong. Like Bill says, back it up with wire ties.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by benjburton

Thanks for the reply and the suggestion.
I'll have to see if it will fit, but I'm doubtful. That refrigerant line sits quite a bit above the compressor. Also, mounting to the cylindrical shape wouldn't give much surface area for the VHB tape to stick. Worth a look though. Thanks.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

I just had another thought...... (scary)......

Could you just mount it on the roof, next to the A/C? It appears to be water tight. If not, you could come up with an electrical box that you could put over it and calk it to the roof.

[benjburton]

A lot of great suggestions. However, for my sanity, which would have me wondering if it's going to get wet, or if I installed it well enough to hold, and not putting holes in my roof and dealing with more things to caulk, I think I'd rather buy a more compact one even if it cost more.
It does appear very water tight. The only thing I've read is that you should install with wires pointing down to keep water from possibly running down the wires into the unit.
Unfortunately, my low profile a/c really has nowhere else to mount this thing. It really is very tight in there.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by benjburton

A lot of great suggestions. However, for my sanity, which would have me wondering if it's going to get wet, or if I installed it well enough to hold, and not putting holes in my roof and dealing with more things to caulk, I think I'd rather buy a more compact one even if it cost more.
It does appear very water tight. The only thing I've read is that you should install with wires pointing down to keep water from possibly running down the wires into the unit.
Unfortunately, my low profile a/c really has nowhere else to mount this thing. It really is very tight in there.

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

These boxes are made for exactly what you want to do and trust me..... 3M VHB double sided tape is far stronger than screwing it down to the roof. I (and many others) have my solar panels attached to the roof with that tape and never heard of an issue. If you ever want to remove the box, you simply slide a razor knife under the box, slicing the tape. The residue comes off with a plastic razor blade without scratching the roof.

https://www.amazon.com/Zulkit-Dustpr...1zcF9tdGY&th=1