re: AC repair help

First does indoor blower work? If yes problem is outside.
There are 2 things going on in outside unit- compressor and fan motor. Both need to be coming on. Easy to see if fan motor works but put your head down low to hear compressor. Discharge air coming off top of unit should be warm to hot and suction line which is larger tubing going into unit should be cold to wet if unit is working probably. If compressor on and cooler air coming off top and suction line not cold, then need refrigerant. Pure Freon 22 can run $100 to $150 per pound. Ask price before come out. Knock off brands can still run $75 to $100 per pound. These are Freon 22 substitutes. If compressor not coming on but fan is, likely a capacitor. This is a $20 part that you will likely be charged $150 plus labor. If compressor is bad, then you will need new unit. Best to upgrade whole system at same time converting to Freon 410a. This can easily run more than 10K. Good luck. If I was local I’d take care of you! Unfortunately not local.