Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on many different parts, including 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 unusual for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is wrong. One example of a sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrisome noises can be attributed to several sources.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is a common air conditioner sound you may hear on hot, humid days and is no reason you should be alarmed. Simple condensation buildup is most likely the culprit. As your air conditioner operates, moisture from the interior air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is designed to collect and direct the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

However, if the drain becomes blocked or compromised, 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 remove the water.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a warning sign that the condensate drain line is blocked and needs to be cleared. A float switch should automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and produces 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 need to correct 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 part of the cooling process, they do not run on or utilize water. This means your AC shouldn’t sound like running water. If you hear this sound, it could mean 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 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 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 minimal, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can make the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to develop on the coil.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grease may build up on a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and stopping the refrigerant inside it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil could freeze.
• Failing thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the desired number. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.
• Blower issues: The blower forces air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or operating at a low speed, the low level of 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 comes to be trapped in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system may gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs to a professional who can verify the correct refrigerant charge.

4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise

A hissing noise from your air conditioner could signify one of these issues:

• Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the site and extent of a refrigerant leak, it may create 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 passes through the system. This element may make a hissing noise if it is defective.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that regulates 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 determine and address the cause to prevent further damage. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing 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. Each and every 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 & Plumbing.