Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on several elements, such as a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are generally strong and reliable, it’s not uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is awry. One such sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These distressing noises can be traced back to several causes.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a common air conditioner sound you may hear on hot, humid days and is no cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is most likely the culprit. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the inside air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is meant to catch and funnel the condensed water away from your home via a drain line. Then again, if the drain becomes blocked or compromised, water can accumulate in the pan, resulting in a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool underneath. If the dripping noise becomes too irritating, find 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 plugged and needs to 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 need to correct the problem 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. What this means is your AC should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it may be because 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 debris blocks airflow. This may make 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 goes through the evaporator coil. If the system is undercharged or seeping out and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to drop below freezing and ice to form on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may build up on an ignored evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant within it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil may possibly freeze.
- Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal level. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.
- Blower troubles: The blower moves air across the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or running at a low speed, the lack of airflow can 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 forms or air has become trapped in the refrigerant line, you can hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could possibly gurgle due to overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repair work to a professional who can make sure the right refrigerant charge.
4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise
A hissing noise from your air conditioner could signify one of these malfunctions:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the site 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 outside condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it moves through the AC model. This element may make a hissing noise if it is defective.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that controls refrigerant flow through 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 diagnose and address the cause to stop more damage. [companyname] can diagnose and service 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. Every single AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or schedule a repair estimate, please contact [companyname].