Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on numerous components, including a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are usually robust and reliable, it’s not uncommon 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 worrisome 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 reason you should be alarmed. Simple condensation buildup is most likely the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the indoor air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan was created to capture and funnel the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line. However, 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 a nuisance, 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 plugged and should be cleared. A float switch is supposed to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and causes water damage, but the float switch could always not work properly. 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 make condensate during the cooling process, they do not run on or consume water. This means your AC should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it might mean the evaporator coil has frozen over and is now thawing and dripping water onto the ground.
This can happen for a few reasons, including:
- Dirty air filter: A filter clogged with dust, dirt and other crud restricts airflow. This may cause 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 system is undercharged or leaking and the refrigerant level is minimal, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can make the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to form on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may build up on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant within it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil could freeze.
- Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the correct level. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
- Blower troubles: The blower circulates air across the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or performing at a low speed, the low level of airflow may freeze the evaporator coil.
3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound
Refrigerant is a crucial ingredient in the cooling process. If a leak forms or air gets trapped in the refrigerant line, you can hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could very well gurgle as a result of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs 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 be the result of one of these issues:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the location and extent of a refrigerant leak, it may produce 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 moves through the AC model. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it gets damaged.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that manages refrigerant movement through 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 diagnose and address the cause to prevent more damage. [companyname] can detect and fix any concern causing your AC to sound like running water, whether that’s condensation buildup, a refrigerant leak, a clogged drain line or a frozen evaporator coil. Each and every AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or schedule a repair estimate, please contact [companyname].