Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on several parts, which includes 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 unusual 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 traced back to several origins.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is a frequent air conditioner sound you may hear on hot, humid days and is no cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is most likely to blame. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the indoor air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is designed to collect and direct the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

Although, if the drain becomes blocked or broken, water can accumulate in the pan, producing a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool below. If the dripping noise becomes an annoyance, identify the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and remove the water.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a warning sign that the condensate drain line is blocked and should be cleared. A float switch should automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and creates water damage, but the float switch could always fail. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll be forced to fix the problem before your unit will function normally again.

2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running

While air conditioners make condensate as a part of the cooling process, they do not run on or consume water. This means your AC shouldn’t sound like running water. If you hear this sound, it may 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 choked with dust, dirt and other crud restricts airflow. This may lead the temperature inside the evaporator coil to fall 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 network is undercharged or seeping out and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the capability 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 grime may accumulate on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and stopping the refrigerant inside of it from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil may possibly freeze.
• Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal level. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes over.
• Blower problems: The blower forces air across the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or operating 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 element of the cooling process. If a leak forms or air comes to be trapped in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could possibly gurgle as a result of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC service work 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 issues:

• Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the location and seriousness 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 outdoor condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the air conditioner. This component may make a hissing noise if it becomes 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 such as running water from your air conditioner, take steps to identify and address the cause to stop further damage. Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts can detect and repair any concern 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. Every single AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or schedule a repair estimate, please contact Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts.