Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are sophisticated systems that rely on various components, including 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 unheard of for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is wrong. One example of a sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrisome noises can be linked to several origins.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is an often reported air conditioner sound you may hear on hot, humid days and is no cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is most likely the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner operates, moisture from the indoor air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath it. This pan was created to catch and move the condensed water clear of your home via a drain line.

However, if the drain becomes clogged 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, identify 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 clogged 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 fail. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll have to solve the issue before your unit will function normally again.

2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running

While air conditioners make condensate as a component of the cooling process, they do not run on or utilize water. What this means is your AC shouldn’t 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 plugged 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 collected on the coil.

• • Low refrigerant level: Chilled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it moves through the evaporator coil. If the network is undercharged or leaky and the refrigerant level is minimal, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to develop on the coil.

• • Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grime may coat a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil might freeze.

• • Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal level. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.

• • Blower issues: The blower circulates air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or operating at a low speed, the lack of sufficient airflow can freeze the evaporator coil.

3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound

Refrigerant is a critical element of the cooling process. If a leak forms or air comes to be trapped in the refrigerant line, you can hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could very well gurgle as a result of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repair work to a professional who can ensure 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 problems:

• • Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the location and seriousness of a refrigerant leak, it may produce more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.

• • An issue with with the compressor: The compressor located in the outside condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the air conditioner. This element may make a hissing noise if it gets defective.

• • Internal valve leak: The valve that regulates refrigerant movement 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 more damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can diagnose and fix 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. Each and every AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or set up a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.