Air conditioners are complicated 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 generally robust and reliable, it’s not uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is awry. One of these sounds is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These distressing noises can be traced back to several sources.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a common air conditioner sound you might 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 collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is meant to capture and funnel the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line. Then again, if the drain becomes blocked or damaged, water can accumulate in the pan, producing a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool below. If the dripping noise becomes too irritating, find 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 blocked and must 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 not work properly. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll have to fix the drain pan issue before your unit will run 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 means your AC should never 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 develop for a few reasons, including:
- Dirty air filter: A filter clogged with dust, dirt and other particles restricts airflow. This may make 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 leaky and the refrigerant level is not high enough, 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 grease may accumulate on a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant inside of it from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil may possibly freeze.
- Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal degree. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
- Blower issues: The blower moves air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or operating at a low speed, the low level of airflow can freeze the evaporator coil.
3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound
Refrigerant is a vital part of the cooling process. If a leak has formed or air comes to be trapped in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system could very well 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 location and severity of a refrigerant leak, it may create more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
- Issues with the compressor: The compressor located in the exterior condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the air conditioner. This component may make a hissing noise if it is damaged.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that manages refrigerant flow 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 diagnose and address the cause to stop further damage. [companyname] can identify and service 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 AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or schedule a repair estimate, please contact [companyname].