Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on many different components, 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 awry. One of these sounds is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These distressing noises can be linked to several sources.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a common air conditioner sound you might hear on hot, humid days and is no reason you should be alarmed. Simple condensation buildup is likely to blame. As your air conditioner functions, moisture from the indoor air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is designed to collect and direct the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line. However, if the drain becomes plugged or broken, water can accumulate in the pan, producing a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool underneath. If the dripping noise becomes a nuisance, locate the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and remove the water.
Also, take AC dripping sounds as a signal that the condensate drain line is clogged and must 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 fail. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll be forced to fix the drain pan 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. This simply means your AC should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it may indicate 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 lead 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 goes through the evaporator coil. If the network 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 develop on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may coat a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and stopping the refrigerant within it from absorbing heat. When this occurs, the coil could freeze.
- Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the correct level. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.
- Blower issues: The blower forces air across the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or performing at a low speed, the low level of airflow can 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 formed or air comes to be trapped in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could possibly gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs to a professional who can ensure 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 place and extent of a refrigerant leak, it may generate more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
- An issue with 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 circulation 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 stop more damage. [companyname] can diagnose and repair any concern 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 schedule a repair estimate, please contact [companyname].