Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are sophisticated systems that rely on several elements, which includes 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 unusual 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 worrying noises can be linked to several origins.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is a common air conditioner sound you may hear on hot, humid days and is no reason for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is likely the culprit. As your air conditioner functions, moisture from the indoor air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is designed to catch and move the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

Although, 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 down below. If the dripping noise becomes an annoyance, locate the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and empty it.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a indication that the condensate drain line is blocked and must be cleared. A float switch ought to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and produces 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 have to fix the problem before your unit will run normally again.

2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running

While air conditioners create condensate as a component of the cooling process, they do not run on or consume water. This simply means your AC should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this sound, it could indicate 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 restricts 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 leaky and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can make the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to form on the coil.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grime may accumulate on a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside of it from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil could freeze.
• Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the correct level. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes over.
• Blower problems: The blower forces air across the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or operating 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 critical part of the cooling process. If a leak forms or air has become stuck in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Along those same lines, your system could very well gurgle due to overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repair work to a professional who can verify the proper 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 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 moves through the system. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it is defective.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that manages refrigerant movement throughout 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 identify and address the cause to prevent further damage. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can diagnose and repair any issue 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 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.