Air conditioners are complicated 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 typically sturdy and reliable, it’s not uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is wrong. One of these sounds is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrisome noises can be attributed to several origins.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a frequent air conditioner sound you might hear on hot, humid days and is no reason you should be alarmed. Simple condensation buildup is probably the culprit. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the interior air accumulates on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is meant to collect and funnel the condensed water away from your home via a drain line. Although, 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 too irritating, find the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and empty it.
Also, take AC dripping sounds as a warning sign that the condensate drain line is clogged and needs to 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 correct the problem before your unit will function normally again.
2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running
While air conditioners produce condensate during the cooling process, they do not run on or use water. What this means is your AC should not ever 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 take place for a few reasons, including:
- Dirty air filter: A filter clogged with dust, dirt and other crud blocks airflow. This may make the temperature inside the evaporator coil to fall below freezing, which then freezes the condensate collected 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 seeping out and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to develop on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grease may coat a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant within it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil may freeze.
- Malfunctioning 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 completely.
- 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 sufficient 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 comes to be stuck 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 proper refrigerant charge.
4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise
A hissing noise from your air conditioner could indicate one of these issues:
- 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.
- An issue with with the compressor: The compressor located in the outdoor condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the system. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it is defective.
- 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 prevent further damage. [companyname] can diagnose and repair any malfunction 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 [companyname].