Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are sophisticated 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 robust 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 linked to several causes.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is an often reported air conditioner sound you might hear on hot, humid days and is no reason you should be alarmed. Simple condensation buildup is probably the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the inside air accumulates on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is meant to capture and move the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

Then again, if the drain becomes clogged or compromised, water can accumulate in the pan, leading to 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 remove the water.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a indication that the condensate drain line is plugged and must be cleared. A float switch is supposed to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and produces water damage, but the float switch could always not work properly. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll need to solve the issue before your unit will operate normally again.

2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running

While air conditioners produce condensate as a part 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 could mean 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 lead 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 leaking and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to build up on the coil.

• • Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may build up on a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and stopping the refrigerant inside it from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil may freeze.

• • Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration may cause the air conditioner to run continuously, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal number. Continuously running an air conditioner can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.

• • Blower troubles: The blower moves air across the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or running 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 vital component of the cooling process. If a leak has formed or air comes to be trapped in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could very well gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC service 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 place and severity of a refrigerant leak, it may generate 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 air conditioner. This element may make a hissing noise if it becomes faulty.

• • Internal valve leak: The valve that controls refrigerant movement 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 further damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can detect and fix any malfunction 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 set up a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.