Im starting to think its the condenser. Not 100% sure but im not sure where to start checking on it.

Seeing as im not excellent with A/C systems, im considering taking this to a shop to get it worked on. I've heard lots of things about getting your A/C system vacuumed after replacing parts. I definately cant do this myself i dont think, and i dont want to take any shortcuts, so a shop seems like the only route to go.

What would be the best thing to do? Should i buy the part myself and tell the shop to replace the part, vacuum and recharge my system, or just let them find the leak and do everything from there? I really dont want to dish out a lot of money since im only 16 and can hardly keep up with gas prices, let alone repairs.