I came home this afternoon and it was hot in the house. I finally realized that the outside unit was not turning on, I went outside to look for loose or broken wires, I found none, however I have not taken the cover off YET! Came in the house to check the fuses for the air conditioner, it was popped. So I tried to click it back on and got sparks so I have turned them off? Does anyone have any ideas of things I can try myself first? Without having to call someone in to fix it.

OK well I have gone outside and removed the cover and cleaned the nasty off the fins. The compressor is still so hot after being off for at least three hours. Is that normal? Please advise please, I live in the south and it is so warm at night. Thanks for your help in advance!

You most likely have an overloaded compressor. Either low on freon or fried motor. There is a thermal overload switch that probably kicked off the power. Sounds like a new compressor is in order. This has been a very hot summer-we live near Atlanta-and compressors are going out all over.