Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on several elements, such as a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are usually strong and reliable, it’s not uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is wrong. One of these sounds is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be traced back to several origins.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is a frequent air conditioner sound you might hear on hot, humid days and is no reason you should be alarmed. Simple condensation buildup is probably the culprit. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the indoor air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan was created to capture and move the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line.

Although, if the drain becomes blocked or broken, 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 an annoyance, locate the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and empty it.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a warning sign 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 need to correct 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 should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this noise, it might indicate 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 plugged with dust, dirt and other particles restricts airflow. This may lead 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 air conditioner is undercharged or seeping out and the refrigerant level is minimal, it loses the capacity to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to drop below freezing and ice to develop on the coil.
  • Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grime may build up on a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant within it from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil may freeze.
  • Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could 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 up.
  • Blower issues: The blower forces air over the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or running 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 forms or air comes to be caught in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system may gurgle due to overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC service work to a professional who can verify the proper 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 place and severity 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 outside condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it moves through the AC model. This component 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 similar to running water from your air conditioner, take steps to determine and address the cause to avoid further damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can detect and fix any issue 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. Every AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or schedule a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.