I had taken HVAC classes in college, learned enough to be dangerous or at least able to clean stuff up before the next season. It was a trick to oil the motor in our new house, the ports faced down and there was not enough wire to twist it around. Had to take squirrel cage out, pull it apart, oil, reassemble. (didn't have left over parts) Finally, after 26 years, added wire to the connections so the ports are on top. Make sure the unit outside is clean and the condensor isn't plugged. Ours is a yearly clean with all the "fluffy" stuff that floats around. I've even put window screen around the intake slots to help reduce the plugging. Easier to clean on the outside of the unit.