Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on numerous components, such as a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are usually 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 distressing noises can be attributed to several causes.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a frequent air conditioner sound you could hear on hot, humid days and is no reason for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is probably 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 was created to collect and direct the condensed water away from your home via a drain line. Then again, if the drain becomes blocked or damaged, water can accumulate in the pan, leading to a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool below. If the dripping noise becomes too irritating, find the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and clear it.
Also, take AC dripping sounds as a indication 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 not work properly. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll be forced to solve the problem before your unit will function normally again.
2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running
While air conditioners produce condensate as a part of 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 sound, it might be because 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 debris restricts airflow. This may cause the temperature inside the evaporator coil to get below freezing, which then freezes the condensate collected on the coil.
- Low refrigerant level: Chilled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it goes through the evaporator coil. If the system is undercharged or leaky and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the capability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to drop below freezing and ice to build up on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grime may accumulate on an ignored evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant inside it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil could freeze.
- Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration could cause the air conditioner to run continuously, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal number. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.
- Blower issues: The blower circulates air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working right or running 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 has developed or air gets trapped in the refrigerant line, you can hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could very well gurgle as a result of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs 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 indicate one of these problems:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the site and seriousness of a refrigerant leak, it may generate more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
- Problem with the compressor: The compressor located in the outdoor condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it flows through the AC model. This element may make a hissing noise if it gets faulty.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that manages refrigerant circulation within the compressor may also leak and hiss.
Schedule Air Conditioning Services
If you hear a sound such as running water from your air conditioner, take steps to determine 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 stopped up 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].