Ford Repair: cooling fan-- 1992 Ford Tempo, ford tempo, c unit

Question
My heat gauge is running in the middle mark but if I switch on the A/C it soars to HOT.  I have been told I need a cooling fan.  Please know Steve that I am on Social Security only and the $300.00 that want to install a replacement is really out of my reach.  Would I be able to order this from Express Autoparts.com and have someone install it for me?  By the way, I don't even know what a cooling fan is OR where it is located.  Please help me Steve.  God bless and thanks.  Tom.  P.S.  If I do nothing, DON'T turn on the A/C would this be alright?  Since I'm on Social Security and live alone, if it gets too hot I can simply stay home!  Please advise.

Answer
Tom-

  Some shops will let you bring in your own parts and install them for you.  This isn't too common, but sometimes they'll let you slide.  As much as I hate to say it, even with your own part I don't think you'll come in a whole lot under $300 after buying the part and the cost of installation.  My guess is that leaving the A/C off would keep the problem at bay.  The A/C unit creates a huge stress on the engine...sometimes sucking as much as 15% of the engine's power just in parasitic loss to turn the compressor.  I'd venture to guess leaving it off would prevent the overheating.  Hope this helps.

Steve