Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on many different parts, which includes a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are generally robust 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 traced back 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 for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is likely the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner functions, moisture from the interior air accumulates on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is designed to capture and direct the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line.

Although, if the drain becomes blocked or broken, 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, identify the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and remove the water.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a warning sign that the condensate drain line is plugged and needs to be cleared. A float switch ought 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 be forced to fix the drain pan issue before your unit will run normally again.

2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running

While air conditioners make condensate as a part of the cooling process, they do not run on or utilize water. What this means is your AC should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it might be because the evaporator coil has frozen over and is now thawing and dripping water onto the ground.

This can take place for a few reasons, including:

  • Dirty air filter: A filter choked with dust, dirt and other debris limits airflow. This may make the temperature inside the evaporator coil to drop 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 not high enough, 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 coat a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this occurs, the coil could freeze.
  • Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the desired degree. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.
  • Blower problems: The blower circulates air across the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working right or running 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 critical part of the cooling process. If a leak has developed or air gets stuck in the refrigerant line, you can hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system may gurgle due to overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs to a professional who can make sure the right 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 seriousness of a refrigerant leak, it may produce more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
  • Problem with the compressor: The compressor located in the outside condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the AC model. This element may make a hissing noise if it is faulty.
  • 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 like running water from your air conditioner, take steps to diagnose and address the cause to prevent further damage. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can identify and service 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. Each and 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.

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