Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are sophisticated systems that rely on numerous 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 strong and reliable, it’s not uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is wrong. One such sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be attributed to several sources.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is a frequent air conditioner sound you might hear on hot, humid days and is no reason for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is most likely the culprit. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the interior air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is designed to collect and direct the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

Then again, if the drain becomes plugged or broken, water can accumulate in the pan, leading to a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool underneath. If the dripping noise becomes a nuisance, locate 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 plugged and must be cleared. A float switch ought to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and causes 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 fix the problem before your unit will function 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 use water. This means your AC should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it may mean 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 particles blocks airflow. This may cause 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 passes through the evaporator coil. If the air conditioner is undercharged or leaky and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to develop on the coil.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may build up on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant inside of it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil might freeze.
• Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the correct number. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
• Blower troubles: The blower circulates air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or running at a low speed, the lack of sufficient airflow could freeze the evaporator coil.

3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound

Refrigerant is a vital element of the cooling process. If a leak has developed or air comes to be stuck in the refrigerant line, you can hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system could very well gurgle due to overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repair 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 signify one of these problems:

• Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the place and severity 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 exterior condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the AC model. This element may make a hissing noise if it gets damaged.
• 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 determine and address the cause to avoid additional damage. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can detect and repair 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. 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.