Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on numerous parts, 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 amiss. One of these sounds 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 common air conditioner sound you might hear on hot, humid days and is no reason for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is likely the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the indoor air accumulates on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath it. This pan is designed to capture and move the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line.

However, if the drain becomes plugged or broken, water can accumulate in the pan, resulting in a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool below. If the dripping noise becomes a nuisance, find the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and clear it.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a indication that the condensate drain line is clogged and must 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 not work properly. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll need to fix the issue before your unit will run 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 should never sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it could be because 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 clogged with dust, dirt and other crud limits airflow. This may lead 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 moves through the evaporator coil. If the system is undercharged or seeping out and the refrigerant level is minimal, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to develop on the coil.
  • Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grease may accumulate on an ignored evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil may possibly freeze.
  • Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run continuously, even when the indoor temperature is already at the desired degree. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes over.
  • Blower problems: 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 part of the cooling process. If a leak has developed or air has become stuck in the refrigerant line, you can hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system may gurgle because of 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 indicate one of these problems:

  • Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the site and seriousness of a refrigerant leak, it may produce 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 flows through the air conditioner. This element may make a hissing noise if it becomes damaged.
  • 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 such as running water from your air conditioner, take steps to determine and address the cause to stop 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 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.

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