1st of all....

1st of all, I am not a HVAC guy, nor I had ever lay hands on one before...so everything I said, are just bs.

1. if fan motor runs, you can assume its ok.

2. 90% of time, AC failures are failed capacitor.

3. 5% of AC failures are low freon, a good condenser unit should be seal and should not leak freon, if its low, meaning either leaky a-coil or leaky line set. R22 units are better when low on freon, 410A units will just fxck the compressor instantly. you need R22 gauge($50) or a universal gauge($150) and a can a R22 freon($390, last year was still $250).

4. 3% of AC failures are bad contactors.

5. 2% is fail compressor, should never only replace the compressor itself, most are rebuild units, only 1 year warranty.

6. Goodman 3 ton condenser about $800, Trane cost about twice. labor 600-800.