Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on various components, which includes 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 awry. One such sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be linked to several causes.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is an often reported air conditioner sound you might hear on hot, humid days and is no reason for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is likely to blame. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the inside air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan is meant to capture and funnel the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line. Although, 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 down below. If the dripping noise becomes too irritating, locate 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 ought to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and creates 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 have to solve the problem before your unit will operate normally again.
2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running
While air conditioners make 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 noise, it may indicate 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 plugged with dust, dirt and other crud blocks airflow. This may make the temperature inside the evaporator coil to drop below freezing, which then freezes the condensate gathered on the coil.
- Low refrigerant level: Chilled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it moves through the evaporator coil. If the network is undercharged or seeping out and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to develop on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may build up on an ignored evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant within it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil could freeze.
- Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run continuously, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal degree. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
- Blower issues: The blower moves air over the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working right or operating 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 part of the cooling process. If a leak has developed or air gets stuck in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could very well gurgle due to overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC service work to a professional who can make sure the correct 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 create more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
- Problem with the compressor: The compressor located in the exterior condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the AC model. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it becomes defective.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that regulates refrigerant movement throughout 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 identify and address the cause to avoid 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 plugged 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 [companyname].