The people that i live with have a mistral air conditioner but it doesn't work.

I am NEW to this industry and work in the transport area, but I thought I would give it a go at fixing and servising it.

Because i am so new i thought i had better ask about it first and get as much knowledge and feed back possible.

Will it be worth fixing? (il gain a broader knowledge) or just call someone and watch and pay the price? I am very nervous but excited and i aint spoke to them about it yet.

there is some sort of insultion on the discharg and sucction pipes, why is that? does it really need it?

im guessing the compressor is inside the condenser cover and the low and high side ports are found on the right hand side following up the pipes?

i have more questions then knowledge about the system.

HELP
THANKS