Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?
Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on numerous elements, including a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are typically strong and reliable, it’s not uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is awry. One of these sounds is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These distressing noises can be traced back to several origins.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a common air conditioner sound you might hear on hot, humid days and is no cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is probably to blame. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the interior air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is designed to collect and move the condensed water clear of your home via a drain line.
However, if the drain becomes plugged or compromised, water can accumulate in the pan, producing a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool underneath. If the dripping noise becomes a nuisance, identify the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and empty it.
Also, take AC dripping sounds as a indication that the condensate drain line is plugged and must be cleared. A float switch is supposed to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and creates water damage, but the float switch could always not work properly. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll need to fix the drain pan issue before your unit will function normally again.
2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running
While air conditioners produce condensate as a part of the cooling process, they do not run on or use water. This means your AC should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this noise, it may mean the evaporator coil has frozen over and is now thawing and dripping water onto the ground.
This can happen for a few reasons, including:
- Dirty air filter: A filter plugged with dust, dirt and other debris limits airflow. This may cause the temperature inside the evaporator coil to fall below freezing, which then freezes the condensate gathered on the coil.
- Low refrigerant level: Chilled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it goes through the evaporator coil. If the air conditioner is undercharged or leaky and the refrigerant level is minimal, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to form on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may coat a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside of it from absorbing heat. When this occurs, the coil could freeze.
- Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal number. Continuously running an air conditioner can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
- Blower troubles: The blower moves air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working right or operating at a low speed, the lack of sufficient airflow can freeze the evaporator coil.
3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound
Refrigerant is a critical part of the cooling process. If a leak has formed or air comes to be caught in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could very well gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs to a professional who can verify the proper refrigerant charge.
4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise
A hissing noise from your air conditioner could be the result of one of these issues:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the place and seriousness of a refrigerant leak, it may produce more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
- Issues with the compressor: The compressor located in the outside condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the air conditioner. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it gets damaged.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that regulates refrigerant movement within 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 can diagnose and repair any issue causing your AC to sound like running water, whether that’s condensation buildup, a refrigerant leak, a stopped up drain line or a frozen evaporator coil. Every single 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.