It's summer so am having an air conditioner problem

Our home was constructed in 2000 and we haven't had a major problem with the central a/c yet, had to replace a solenoid a couple of years back is all. But yesterday the outside unit quit working. We had the unit serviced and checkup 6 months ago or so.

The blower on the outside unit does not turn unless I push it with a stick, then it builds up to speed in a few seconds but I hear a scraping/strained sound with each revolution of the blades. This has never happened before. Note that once it gets up to speed it seems to be putting out just as much air as always.

Whether the blades are turning or not, the compressor periodically tries to kick in but it immediately stops. There is freon in the lines but they never get cold.

Can I replace a part or parts? Or is it time to replace the unit? Suggestions welcome.

Sorry I couldn't wait for a reply (too darn hot here in TX).

It turned out to be a capacitor. I knew that a cap could stop the compressor from starting but I had no idea it helped the fan get started as well. I'm glad to learn something new and glad it wasn't something more serious.

My bad! (I had your post pulled up, and I thought I posted a reply, but I must not)... That was my guess... (lol I swear!). It depends on the unit design... some capacitors help kick just the pump, some do both the pump & fan, some have separate capacitors for each.

I hope you didn't pay a A/C guy to come out and do it Then I'll feel really bad!