Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on several components, such as 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 wrong. One of these sounds is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrisome noises can be traced back to several causes.

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 likely the culprit. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the indoor air accumulates on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan was created to catch and funnel the condensed water clear of your home via a drain line.

However, if the drain becomes plugged or compromised, water can accumulate in the pan, resulting in a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool underneath. 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 signal that the condensate drain line is plugged and should 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 fail. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll need to solve the issue before your unit will function normally again.

2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running

While air conditioners produce condensate as a component of the cooling process, they do not run on or utilize water. This means your AC should never sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it may 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 plugged with dust, dirt and other debris limits airflow. This may make 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 leaking and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the capacity 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 dirt may coat a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil may freeze.
• Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run continuously, 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 problems: The blower moves air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or performing at a low speed, the lack of sufficient 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 forms or air comes to be trapped in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system could possibly gurgle due to overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repair work 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 place and extent 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 exterior condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the AC model. This element may make a hissing noise if it is defective.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that manages refrigerant flow 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 diagnose and address the cause to avoid more damage. A1 Chesney Service Experts can identify and service 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. Every single AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or schedule a repair estimate, please contact A1 Chesney Service Experts.