Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on several 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 amiss. One example of a sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be linked to several origins.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is a frequent air conditioner sound you could hear on hot, humid days and is no cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is probably to blame. As your air conditioner operates, moisture from the inside air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is meant to collect and direct the condensed water clear of your home via a drain line.

However, if the drain becomes clogged or compromised, water can accumulate in the pan, producing 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 indication that the condensate drain line is blocked 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 have to fix the problem before your unit will operate 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 shouldn’t sound like running water. If you hear this sound, it might 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 choked with dust, dirt and other particles blocks airflow. This may lead 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 leaky and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the capability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to form on the coil.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grime may build up on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant inside of it from absorbing heat. When this occurs, the coil may freeze.
• Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration may cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal level. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.
• Blower problems: The blower moves air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or performing 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 component of the cooling process. If a leak forms or air has become stuck in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system could very well gurgle as a result of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs 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 problems:

• Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the site 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 flows through the AC model. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it gets defective.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that manages refrigerant circulation through the compressor may also leak and hiss.

Schedule Air Conditioning Services

If you hear a sound like running water from your air conditioner, take steps to diagnose and address the cause to avoid further damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can identify and repair 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 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 & Plumbing.