Air Conditioning - Condenser is shot?

My mother-in-law's CA system stopped working on Sunday. She called several tech's and actually got someone to come on-site. Unfortunately, I wasn't there, but the tech stated that her condenser is shot (outside fan moves, and she is getting warm air through her vents). In addition to getting several other quotes, are there any area's that I can look at before she makes this investment.

Her unit is a 2-ton Bryant.

I would like to try to do some diagnostic work tonight. If you have questions, let me know and I will look at the unit tonight.

Thanks.

If you question the diagnostics and you have a multi meter we can guide you or you'll have to get a 2nd opinion.

If it is not worth repairing make sure she gets at least 3 bids on the job and that all 3 bidders do a load calculation on her home.

If the fan motor on the outdoor unit is working then most likely the problem is the compressor itself. It coud be mechanically siezed, it could an electrical motor failure, it could be running but not pumping, etc. However, I hate to have to say this but the problem could be the technician as well. With the amount of money involved, I suggest a second opinion. Some simple diagnostics that you can do- shut off the power to the outdoor unit and place an old, junky, screwdriver across the capacitors to discharge them. Look around inside the unit and the control box. See any burnt off wiring terminals? Is the capacitor bulged out or leaking oil? Take the terminal cover off the compressor itself. The wires look ok in there? Be sure to put the terminal cover back on the compressor before turning the power back on. Is the compressor hot? Let it cool and try starting the unit. Can you hear the compressor make a humming noise? There are futher checks, but you need a multimeter and some training. Let us know how you make out.

You dont say how old the AC unit is that she has. When you say condenser thats the whole outside unit. If its not to old if it is the compressor Just that can be put in new.
Go over the whole wire set up like has been said.

ED ;)