Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on several elements, including a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are generally sturdy and reliable, it’s not unheard of for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is amiss. One such 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 might hear on hot, humid days and is no reason for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is probably the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner functions, moisture from the inside air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan was created to collect and direct the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line.

Then again, if the drain becomes blocked or damaged, water can accumulate in the pan, producing a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool underneath. If the dripping noise becomes a nuisance, locate the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and clear it.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a signal that the condensate drain line is clogged and should 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 not work properly. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll be forced to correct the issue before your unit will operate 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 use water. This means your AC shouldn’t 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 happen for a few reasons, including:

• • Dirty air filter: A filter plugged with dust, dirt and other particles limits airflow. This may cause the temperature inside the evaporator coil to get below freezing, which then freezes the condensate gathered on the coil.

• • Low refrigerant level: Chilled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it passes through the evaporator coil. If the system is undercharged or leaky and the refrigerant level is minimal, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to form on the coil.

• • Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grease may build up on an ignored evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside it from absorbing heat. When this occurs, the coil may freeze.

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

• • Blower troubles: The blower moves air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or performing 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 ingredient in the cooling process. If a leak forms or air has become trapped in the refrigerant line, you can hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system may gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs to a professional who can verify the right 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 location and seriousness of a refrigerant leak, it may create more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.

• • An issue with with the compressor: The compressor located in the exterior condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it moves through the system. This element may make a hissing noise if it gets faulty.

• • Internal valve leak: The valve that manages refrigerant circulation through 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 prevent further damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can identify and service any malfunction 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. 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.