Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on several parts, which includes a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are usually sturdy and reliable, it’s not uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is awry. One example of a sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These distressing noises can be attributed to several sources.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a common air conditioner sound you may hear on hot, humid days and is no reason for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is most likely to blame. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the interior air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is meant to capture and direct the condensed water clear of your home via a drain line. Then again, if the drain becomes clogged or compromised, 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 warning sign that the condensate drain line is blocked and must be cleared. A float switch ought to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and produces 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 solve the issue before your unit will operate normally again.
2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running
While air conditioners make condensate during the cooling process, they do not run on or utilize water. What this means is your AC should never sound like running water. If you hear this sound, it may 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 clogged with dust, dirt and other crud limits airflow. This may make 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 moves through the evaporator coil. If the network is undercharged or seeping out and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the capability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to build up on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grease may accumulate on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant inside it from absorbing heat. When this occurs, 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 correct degree. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
- Blower issues: The blower forces air over the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or running at a low speed, the lack of sufficient airflow could freeze the evaporator coil.
3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound
Refrigerant is a vital element of the cooling process. If a leak has developed or air gets stuck in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could possibly gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repair work to a professional who can ensure 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 problems:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the location and extent 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 moves through the air conditioner. This component may make a hissing noise if it gets faulty.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that controls refrigerant movement within the compressor may also leak and hiss.
Schedule Air Conditioning Services
If you hear a sound such as running water from your air conditioner, take steps to identify and address the cause to prevent more damage. [companyname] can diagnose and fix any concern 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 AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or schedule a repair estimate, please contact [companyname].