Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on various 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 robust and reliable, it’s not unusual for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is amiss. 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 cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is likely the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the inside air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath it. This pan was created to capture and direct the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

Then again, 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 below. If the dripping noise becomes too irritating, identify the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and clear it.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a signal that the condensate drain line is plugged and must be cleared. A float switch ought to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and causes 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 fix the issue before your unit will function normally again.

2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running

While air conditioners create condensate as a component of the cooling process, they do not run on or consume water. What this means is your AC shouldn’t sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it might be because 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 choked with dust, dirt and other debris blocks airflow. This may cause the temperature inside the evaporator coil to drop below freezing, which then freezes the condensate accumulated on the coil.
• Low refrigerant level: Chilled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it goes through the evaporator coil. If the air conditioner is undercharged or seeping out and the refrigerant level is minimal, it loses the capability to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to build up on the coil.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grime may build up on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside of it from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil could freeze.
• Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal degree. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
• Blower problems: The blower circulates air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working right or performing at a low speed, the lack of sufficient airflow may freeze the evaporator coil.

3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound

Refrigerant is a critical ingredient in the cooling process. If a leak forms or air gets stuck in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system could very well gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC service work to a professional who can make sure the right refrigerant charge.

4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise

A hissing noise from your air conditioner could signify one of these malfunctions:

• 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 air conditioner. This element may make a hissing noise if it gets defective.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that controls refrigerant flow 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 diagnose and address the cause to prevent more damage. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can identify 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. Each and every AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or set up a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.