Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are sophisticated systems that rely on various components, such as a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are generally sturdy and reliable, it’s not unheard of for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is amiss. One example of a sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be traced back to several sources.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is a common air conditioner sound you could 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 functions, moisture from the inside air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is designed to collect and funnel the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

Although, if the drain becomes clogged or damaged, water can accumulate in the pan, leading to a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool down below. If the dripping noise becomes too irritating, find 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 should 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 break. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll have 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. This simply means your AC should never sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it might mean 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 restricts 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 moves through the evaporator coil. If the air conditioner is undercharged or leaking and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to drop below freezing and ice to build up on the coil.

• • Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may accumulate on a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil may possibly freeze.

• • Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal degree. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.

• • Blower problems: The blower forces air over the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or operating at a low speed, the lack of airflow may freeze the evaporator coil.

3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound

Refrigerant is a vital component of the cooling process. If a leak has developed or air has become caught in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system may gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repair work to a professional who can verify the correct refrigerant charge.

4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise

A hissing noise from your air conditioner could signify 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.

• • Issues with the compressor: The compressor located in the outside condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it flows through the system. 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 avoid more damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can diagnose and repair any malfunction 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 set up a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.