Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are sophisticated systems that rely on several components, such as a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are typically strong and reliable, it’s not unusual 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 worrisome noises can be linked to several causes.

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 for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is probably the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the inside air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan was created to capture and funnel the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

Although, if the drain becomes clogged or broken, water can accumulate in the pan, producing a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool down below. If the dripping noise becomes too irritating, locate the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and clear it.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a signal that the condensate drain line is clogged and must be cleared. A float switch is supposed to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and causes water damage, but the float switch could always fail. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll be forced to correct the issue before your unit will run normally again.

2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running

While air conditioners make condensate during the cooling process, they do not run on or utilize water. This means your AC should never sound like running water. If you hear this sound, 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 cause the temperature inside the evaporator coil to get below freezing, which then freezes the condensate accumulated on the coil.
• Low refrigerant level: Chilled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it passes through the evaporator coil. If the network is undercharged or seeping out and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the capacity 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 grime may accumulate on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant within it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil may possibly freeze.
• Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal number. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.
• Blower issues: 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 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 gets stuck in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system may gurgle as a result of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs to a professional who can verify the right refrigerant charge.

4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise

A hissing noise from your air conditioner could be the result of 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.
• Issues with the compressor: The compressor located in the exterior condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it flows through the system. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it gets defective.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that regulates refrigerant circulation within 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 prevent further damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can detect and repair 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 schedule a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.