About a year ago my AC seemed like it got louder over night. It still worked fine, but it just seemed louder. A month or so ago it started sounding like the fan blades were hitting something every once in a while for a few seconds then it would stop. Yesterday it immediately started the rattle and before I could reach up and turn it off it just quit. Now there is nothing when you turn the fan on. Any ideas? I would like to have some sort of clue of what to expect before seeing a mechanic. I will probably get screwed either way because I know nothing about cars or AC, but I think if I can go in with some sort of idea I may be able to protect myself a little.

If your AC is over 6 or 8 years its just normal that would do that if you haven't cleaned the filters for a long time. Or its because maybe something stuck in there smthn like a cockroach or something. Another possibility might be because the water in your AC froze and the fans don't have enough place to spin. My recommendation: don't be afraid and open it carefully with your hands. Every AC can be opened from somewhere if you press it up. Take the filters out (they look like nets but from plastic) and clean them. Or try putting your AC on the heating mode and the ice will melt (dont wonder if small pieces of ice pop out of it or if water runs out of somewhere) if that didn't help yeah I guess you should call a mechanic. Hope I helped!!