Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on numerous elements, including 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 such sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be traced back to several sources.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is an often reported air conditioner sound you could hear on hot, humid days and is no reason you should be alarmed. Simple condensation buildup is likely the culprit. As your air conditioner functions, moisture from the inside air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath it. This pan is meant to collect and funnel the condensed water clear of your home via a drain line.

Then again, if the drain becomes blocked or damaged, water can accumulate in the pan, leading to a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool below. If the dripping noise becomes an annoyance, find the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and clear it.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a warning sign that the condensate drain line is clogged and must be cleared. A float switch ought to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and creates 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 be forced to solve the drain pan issue before your unit will operate 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 consume water. This simply means your AC should never sound like running water. If you hear this sound, it may 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 particles restricts airflow. This may lead 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 passes through the evaporator coil. If the system is undercharged or leaking and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the capacity to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to drop below freezing and ice to develop on the coil.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may accumulate on a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and stopping the refrigerant inside of it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil could freeze.
• Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration may cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the desired number. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes over.
• Blower troubles: The blower forces air over the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or running at a low speed, the low level of airflow could freeze the evaporator coil.

3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound

Refrigerant is a crucial part of the cooling process. If a leak has developed or air has become caught in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system may gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repair work 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 signify one of these issues:

• Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the location and severity of a refrigerant leak, it may produce more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
• Issues with the compressor: The compressor located in the exterior condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it flows through the AC model. This component may make a hissing noise if it gets faulty.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that regulates refrigerant flow within the compressor may also leak and hiss.

Schedule Air Conditioning Services

If you hear a sound similar to running water from your air conditioner, take steps to identify and address the cause to avoid additional damage. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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. Every single 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.