Air conditioners are sophisticated systems that rely on many different components, such as 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 uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is wrong. One such sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be traced back to several sources.
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 for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is likely to blame. As your air conditioner functions, moisture from the interior air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath it. This pan is meant to capture and direct the condensed water clear of your home via a drain line. Although, if the drain becomes blocked or damaged, water can accumulate in the pan, resulting in 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 remove the water.
Also, take AC dripping sounds as a indication that the condensate drain line is blocked and should be cleared. A float switch is supposed to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and creates 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 have to fix the problem before your unit will run 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 consume water. What this means is your AC shouldn't 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 restricts 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 network is undercharged or leaky and the refrigerant level is minimal, it loses the capacity to absorb the heat. This can allow the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to develop on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grease may accumulate on an ignored evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant inside it from absorbing heat. When this occurs, the coil might freeze.
- Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the correct level. Continuously running an air conditioner can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
- Blower troubles: The blower forces air through 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 crucial ingredient in 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. Along those same lines, your system could possibly gurgle due to 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 site 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 exterior condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the air conditioner. This element may make a hissing noise if it gets faulty.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that manages 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 diagnose and address the cause to avoid more damage. [companyname] can detect and repair 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 set up a repair estimate, please contact [companyname].