I run a 240 VAC 1/2 hp compressor on a simple 24 hour 240 VAC timer from Amazon. I am on the third timer in 17 years. The last time I bought one it was about $30.

I use a cheap 120 VAC 24 hour timer to run a 22 cfm cooling fan for the system (starting it an hour or so before the compressor every day). I'm not sure it's ever gone bad.