Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are sophisticated 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 typically sturdy and reliable, it’s not unheard of for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is wrong. One example of a sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be linked 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 you should be alarmed. Simple condensation buildup is likely the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner functions, moisture from the indoor air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is designed to capture and move the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

However, if the drain becomes blocked or damaged, water can accumulate in the pan, resulting in a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool down below. If the dripping noise becomes an annoyance, identify 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 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 break. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll be forced to correct the problem before your unit will operate 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 utilize water. This means your AC shouldn’t sound like running water. If you hear this sound, 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 plugged with dust, dirt and other crud blocks airflow. This may lead the temperature inside the evaporator coil to fall below freezing, which then freezes the condensate collected 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 leaky and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to drop below freezing and ice to build up on the coil.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may accumulate on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant within it from absorbing heat. When this occurs, the coil may freeze.
• Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the correct number. Continuously running an air conditioner can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes over.
• Blower troubles: The blower forces air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or operating 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 vital ingredient in the cooling process. If a leak forms or air comes to be stuck in the refrigerant line, you can hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could possibly gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC service 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 signify one of these problems:

• Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the site and seriousness of a refrigerant leak, it may create more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
• An issue with with the compressor: The compressor located in the exterior condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the system. This component may make a hissing noise if it becomes defective.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that manages refrigerant movement through 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 determine and address the cause to stop further damage. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can identify and fix any malfunction causing your AC to sound like running water, whether that’s condensation buildup, a refrigerant leak, a plugged drain line or a frozen evaporator coil. Each and every AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or schedule a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.