With the thermostat turned to OFF - when I reset my breaker to ON the air conditioner tries to start and all the lights dim and it throws the breaker. Had a technician in today and he at first said it was my breaker and than when I said that I had a cousin who could replace it - he said that he would try a Hard Start Kit and when it would attempt to start with that but failed he said it was the compressor and since my machine is almost 9 years old he said a new machine was needed...
Does all that sound logical? Why was it the breaker at first but than it was the Compressor?

Quote;; Why was it the breaker at first but than it was the Compressor

Probably guess work maybe made the comment before completely checking out the problem,if you feel unsure you might get a second opinion