Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on several 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 sturdy and reliable, it’s not uncommon 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 attributed to several causes.

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 for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is most likely the culprit. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the interior air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan was created to collect and move 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 an annoyance, locate the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and clear it.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a signal that the condensate drain line is plugged and must be cleared. A float switch should 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 be forced to correct the issue before your unit will run 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 use water. This simply means your AC should never sound like running water. If you hear this noise, it might mean 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 clogged with dust, dirt and other debris restricts airflow. This may lead the temperature inside the evaporator coil to get below freezing, which then freezes the condensate accumulated on the coil.
• Low refrigerant level: Chilled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it passes through the evaporator coil. If the air conditioner is undercharged or leaking and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to build up on the coil.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grease may build up on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil may freeze.
• Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration may cause the air conditioner to run constantly, even when the indoor temperature is already at the desired degree. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.
• Blower problems: The blower circulates air over the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working right or performing at a low speed, the lack of sufficient airflow could freeze the evaporator coil.

3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound

Refrigerant is a vital ingredient in the cooling process. If a leak has formed or air gets trapped in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system may gurgle as a result of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs 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 indicate one of these problems:

• Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the place and extent of a refrigerant leak, it may produce more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
• Issues with the compressor: The compressor located in the outdoor condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it moves through the air conditioner. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it gets faulty.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that manages refrigerant movement within 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 stop further damage. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can diagnose and fix any issue 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 set up a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.