Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on several components, such as 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 amiss. One example of a sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These distressing noises can be linked to several origins.

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 for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is most likely the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner operates, moisture from the interior air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is designed to collect and direct the condensed water clear of your home via a drain line.

Then again, if the drain becomes plugged 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 too irritating, identify 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 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 break. 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 function 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. This means your AC should never sound like running water. If you hear this noise, it could 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 restricts airflow. This may make the temperature inside the evaporator coil to fall 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 capacity to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to form on the coil.

• • Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may coat an ignored evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and stopping the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil may possibly freeze.

• • Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal degree. Continuously running an air conditioner can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes over.

• • Blower problems: The blower forces air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or operating at a low speed, the low level of airflow may freeze the evaporator coil.

3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound

Refrigerant is a critical ingredient in the cooling process. If a leak forms or air gets caught in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Along those same lines, your system may gurgle as a result of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs to a professional who can verify the correct refrigerant charge.

4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise

A hissing noise from your air conditioner could be the result of one of these malfunctions:

• • Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the place 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 outside condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it moves through the air conditioner. This element may make a hissing noise if it is faulty.

• • Internal valve leak: The valve that controls 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 identify and address the cause to stop more damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can identify and fix any issue causing your AC to sound like running water, whether that’s condensation buildup, a refrigerant leak, a plugged drain line or a frozen evaporator coil. Each and 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 & Plumbing.