Hard Start Kit | 96503
About this product
Hard Start Kit — manufacturer part number 96503.
What this part does
A hard start kit gives the compressor a burst of extra torque at start-up. It cuts the time the compressor spends drawing locked-rotor current, which helps an ageing compressor keep starting and stops the lights dimming every time the AC kicks on.
Replace this part if
- Compressor struggles or groans on start-up
- House lights dim when the AC starts
- Breaker occasionally trips on start-up
- Compressor hums then trips its overload
- Older system you want to get another season or two out of
Specifications
| Manufacturer Part Number | 96503 |
|---|---|
| Condition | New |
| Sold By | Furnace Direct (Hamlin Mechanical LLC, MN Lic. #128688) |
Install difficulty
Easy — about 20 minutes. Tools: Insulated screwdriver, nut driver. Power off at the breaker: yes. Gas shutoff required: no.
Safety warning: Capacitors hold a lethal charge even with the power off. Discharge across the terminals with an insulated screwdriver before touching them.
Typical service life is 8-12 years.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my hard start kit is bad?
Replace it if you see any of these: compressor struggles or groans on start-up; house lights dim when the ac starts; breaker occasionally trips on start-up.
Can I replace a hard start kit myself?
Yes. This is a easy repair that takes about 20 minutes with insulated screwdriver, nut driver. Always shut the power off at the breaker first. Capacitors hold a lethal charge even with the power off. Discharge across the terminals with an insulated screwdriver before touching them.
How long does a hard start kit last?
Typically 8-12 years in normal residential use. Heavy cycling, poor airflow, and dirty filters all shorten that.
What if it does not fit?
Return it within 7 days of delivery. If you are unsure before ordering, call (888) 762-1334 — we are licensed HVAC contractors and can confirm the right part for your model.
Sold by licensed HVAC contractors. Furnace Direct is Hamlin Mechanical LLC, Minnesota licence #128688. If this part does not fix the problem, call (888) 762-1334 and we will help you work out what will.
Specifications
| Manufacturer Part Number | 96503 |
| Condition | New |
| Sold By | Furnace Direct (Hamlin Mechanical LLC, MN Lic. #128688) |
| Repair Difficulty | Easy — about 20 minutes |
| Tools You Need | Insulated screwdriver, nut driver |
| Returns | 7 days on parts |
What this part does
A hard start kit gives the compressor a burst of extra torque at start-up. It cuts the time the compressor spends drawing locked-rotor current, which helps an ageing compressor keep starting and stops the lights dimming every time the AC kicks on.
Replace it if you see any of this
- Compressor struggles or groans on start-up
- House lights dim when the AC starts
- Breaker occasionally trips on start-up
- Compressor hums then trips its overload
- Older system you want to get another season or two out of
Will this fit my system?
This is part number 96503
The number is printed on the part you are replacing — pull the old one and read it, or check the label inside the furnace door. If your number matches, this is the part.
Not sure which part failed? Start from the symptom, or call (888) 762-1334 before you order. We are licensed HVAC contractors and will confirm the right part for your model. If it does not fit, parts can come back within 7 days of delivery.
Not sure this is the problem?
We have written repair and troubleshooting guides for this exact failure. Read the hard start kits guides ›
Common questions
How do I know if my hard start kit is bad?
Replace it if you see any of these: compressor struggles or groans on start-up; house lights dim when the ac starts; breaker occasionally trips on start-up.
Can I replace a hard start kit myself?
Yes. This is a easy repair that takes about 20 minutes with insulated screwdriver, nut driver. Always shut the power off at the breaker first. Capacitors hold a lethal charge even with the power off. Discharge across the terminals with an insulated screwdriver before touching them.
How long does a hard start kit last?
Typically 8-12 years in normal residential use. Heavy cycling, poor airflow, and dirty filters all shorten that.
What if it does not fit?
Parts can be returned within 7 days of delivery. If you are unsure before ordering, call (888) 762-1334 — we are licensed HVAC contractors and can confirm the right part for your model.
Commonly replaced at the same time
These fail alongside the part you are looking at.
Get told before the next part fails
One email a week from a working HVAC contractor: the failure we are seeing that week, how to test for it, and what it costs to fix yourself. Filter reminders on your schedule. No discount codes, no countdown timers.
What customers are saying
Saved $2,400 vs local contractor
Got quoted $9,200 from a local HVAC contractor for a furnace replacement. Found Furnace Direct and got the exact same Goodman unit for under $5k delivered. My installer couldn't believe the price and installed it in one day. Runs perfectly.
Fast shipping, exactly as described
Ordered on a Tuesday, pallet arrived Friday. Unit was packed well, no damage, all factory sealed. Andrew answered my sizing question over the phone and got me the right model. Couldn't be happier with the purchase.
Installer said same one he'd buy at supply house
My HVAC guy said he pays basically the same price at his wholesale supply house. The markup contractors add is insane. Furnace Direct cut the middleman out entirely. Will recommend to everyone I know.
Heating my 2,200 sq ft home perfectly
Installed my 96% AFUE furnace a couple months ago. Heats my 2,200 sq ft home perfectly, and my gas bill dropped noticeably compared to the old unit. Great product, great price, great experience from start to finish.
Saved enough to pay for the install
Math was simple: 3 contractor quotes all over $8k. Furnace Direct plus local installer was under $5,500 total. Saved enough to basically pay for the install myself. Quality is identical to what contractors charge a fortune for.
No-pressure, honest pricing
Called a few HVAC companies first — every single one wanted to schedule an "in-home consultation" before giving me a price. Furnace Direct just showed me the price. Bought online, shipped next day, done. This is how it should work.
Questions About This System?
Send a few photos of your current setup and we'll get you a real quote — and let us know if you need installation or just want the unit shipped.
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