Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?
Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on several elements, 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 amiss. One such sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be attributed to several causes.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a frequent air conditioner sound you may hear on hot, humid days and is no reason you should be alarmed. Simple condensation buildup is most likely the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner operates, moisture from the indoor air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan was created to capture and direct the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.
However, if the drain becomes clogged or damaged, water can accumulate in the pan, resulting in a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool below. If the dripping noise becomes a nuisance, 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 plugged and needs to be cleared. A float switch should automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and causes 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 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. What this means is your AC should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it could indicate 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 clogged with dust, dirt and other debris blocks airflow. This may make the temperature inside the evaporator coil to get 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 network is undercharged or leaking and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the ability 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 dirt may accumulate on an ignored evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside of it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil could freeze.
- Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal level. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes over.
- Blower issues: The blower forces air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working right or performing 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 vital element of 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. Similarly, your system could possibly gurgle as a result of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repair work to a professional who can make sure the correct refrigerant charge.
4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise
A hissing noise from your air conditioner could indicate one of these issues:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the site and severity of a refrigerant leak, it may generate more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
- Problem with the compressor: The compressor located in the outdoor condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it flows through the air conditioner. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it is defective.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that manages 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 additional damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can identify and repair any issue 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 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 & Plumbing.