Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on many different parts, such as 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 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 worrisome noises can be linked to several origins.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a common air conditioner sound you might hear on hot, humid days and is no cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is most likely the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the indoor air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath it. This pan is designed to capture and move the condensed water away from your home via a drain line. Then again, if the drain becomes plugged 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 a nuisance, identify the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and empty it.
Also, take AC dripping sounds as a signal that the condensate drain line is blocked and needs to be cleared. A float switch should 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 need to solve the issue before your unit will operate normally again.
2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running
While air conditioners produce condensate during the cooling process, they do not run on or consume water. This simply means your AC shouldn't sound like running water. If you hear this noise, it might mean 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 clogged with dust, dirt and other crud restricts airflow. This may cause the temperature inside the evaporator coil to drop below freezing, which then freezes the condensate accumulated 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 capability to absorb the heat. This can make the temperature to drop below freezing and ice to form 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 happens, the coil may freeze.
- Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration may cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the desired number. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
- Blower troubles: The blower moves air across the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working right or running 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 crucial component of the cooling process. If a leak forms or air gets trapped in the refrigerant line, you can hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Along those same lines, your system could possibly gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC service 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 be the result of one of these problems:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the location and seriousness of a refrigerant leak, it may create 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 part of the system may make a hissing noise if it becomes defective.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that controls refrigerant circulation 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 avoid more damage. [companyname] can detect and service any issue 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. Every single AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or request a repair estimate, please contact [companyname].