Air conditioners are sophisticated systems that rely on numerous parts, which includes a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are usually robust and reliable, it’s not uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is awry. One example of a sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These distressing noises can be traced back 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 reason for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is probably to blame. As your air conditioner functions, moisture from the indoor air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is meant to collect and move the condensed water away from your home via a drain line. However, if the drain becomes plugged or compromised, water can accumulate in the pan, producing a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool down below. If the dripping noise becomes a nuisance, identify the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and empty it.
Also, take AC dripping sounds as a signal that the condensate drain line is clogged and should be cleared. A float switch should 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 have to solve the drain pan issue before your unit will run normally again.
2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running
While air conditioners create condensate as a part of the cooling process, they do not run on or utilize water. This simply means your AC shouldn't sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it could 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 clogged with dust, dirt and other debris limits airflow. This may lead 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 seeping out and the refrigerant level is low, 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 grease may coat an ignored evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant inside of it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil could freeze.
- Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the desired number. Continuously running an air conditioner can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
- Blower issues: The blower forces air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working right or operating 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 critical element of the cooling process. If a leak has formed or air has become caught in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system may gurgle as a result of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs to a professional who can ensure the correct refrigerant charge.
4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise
A hissing noise from your air conditioner could signify one of these issues:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the location and severity of a refrigerant leak, it may generate more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
- Issues with the compressor: The compressor located in the outdoor condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it flows through the AC model. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it gets damaged.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that regulates refrigerant circulation within 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 additional damage. [companyname] can diagnose and fix 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 schedule a repair estimate, please contact [companyname].