Shrubs bust AC

[xtvius]

Hello, our AC stopped cooling this morning. I went out to check the compressor and found it completely covered by shrubs (it is on the narrow side of the house that one seldom goes to but I have learned my lesson here). The compressor shows no sign of life when I lower the thermostat setting and although I can feel the air coming in, it is not cooling the area.

I would really appreciate it if someone can guide me with troubleshooting this problem. What might have happened? Is there a safety switch that might have tripped? Master breaker, btw, is fine.

[xtvius]

Some more information:

I took off the top cover. It was pretty clean inside. The fan moves freely when I push the fins with a finger. I have cleared all the shrub growth from around the compressor.

Still hoping some kind soul here can help me. I am pretty comfortable troubleshooting mechanical and electrical repairs, but really have never worked on an AC before.

[HayZee518]

within sight of the compressor/condenser there should be either a fused disconnect or just an isolation disconnect. if fused check the fuses. or it may be a circuit breaker in a weatherproof enclosure.
in the control box there may be two contactors, open frame type, allis chalmers or arrow hart. check for tripped overloads off the load side of the contactors. check your control circuit fuses if the control is 24 volt. the compressor may have a bi-metal overload under the access cover.

[xtvius]

Thanks so much for replying.

OK, I got the compressor/condenser fan to work. Or rather, the fan is running now and I am assuming that compressor is fine too. Basically cleaned all the contacts, etc. Nothing major.

However, even though I feel the air flow through the inlets in the house, the temperature on the electronic thermostat is not budging. I have the thermostat set at 79F, the room temprature displayed is 84F, the AC has been running for 30 minutes now with no change. Any suggestions regarding what I could do to further troubleshoot?

Thanks again.

[HayZee518]

see if the suction lines [the larger tubing] is getting cool or cold - if not go back to the compressor and check it's running. if you find it's operating but the lines are warm - you may have a freon leak. you cannot repair this yourself. freon r-12 and freon r-22 systems need an epa rated serviceman.