Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?
Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on various elements, such as a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are usually robust and reliable, it’s not unusual for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is wrong. One of these sounds is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrisome noises can be attributed to several causes.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a frequent air conditioner sound you could hear on hot, humid days and is no reason you should be alarmed. Simple condensation buildup is most likely to blame. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the interior air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is meant to catch and funnel the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line.
Although, if the drain becomes plugged or damaged, water can accumulate in the pan, leading to a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool below. If the dripping noise becomes too irritating, locate the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and clear it.
Also, take AC dripping sounds as a indication that the condensate drain line is blocked and must be cleared. A float switch is supposed to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and produces water damage, but the float switch could always break. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll have to solve the issue before your unit will function normally again.
2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running
While air conditioners create condensate during the cooling process, they do not run on or utilize water. This simply means your AC should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this noise, it could indicate the evaporator coil has frozen over and is now thawing and dripping water onto the ground.
This can develop for a few reasons, including:
- Dirty air filter: A filter plugged with dust, dirt and other particles limits airflow. This may lead the temperature inside the evaporator coil to get below freezing, which then freezes the condensate collected on the coil.
- Low refrigerant level: Chilled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it moves through the evaporator coil. If the air conditioner is undercharged or leaky and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the capacity to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to drop below freezing and ice to form on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grime may accumulate on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant within it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil may possibly freeze.
- Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal level. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.
- Blower troubles: The blower moves air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or performing at a low speed, the low level of airflow may freeze the evaporator coil.
3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound
Refrigerant is a vital ingredient in the cooling process. If a leak has developed or air comes to be trapped in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Along those same lines, your system may gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC service work to a professional who can ensure the right refrigerant charge.
4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise
A hissing noise from your air conditioner could signify one of these problems:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the location and extent of a refrigerant leak, it may create more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
- Problem with the compressor: The compressor located in the exterior condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it flows through the system. This element may make a hissing noise if it is faulty.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that regulates refrigerant movement throughout the compressor may also leak and hiss.
Schedule Air Conditioning Services
If you hear a sound similar to running water from your air conditioner, take steps to identify and address the cause to prevent more damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can diagnose and repair any concern causing your AC to sound like running water, whether that’s condensation buildup, a refrigerant leak, a clogged drain line or a frozen evaporator coil. Every AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or request a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.