Air conditioners are sophisticated systems that rely on several components, such as 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 unheard of for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is awry. One example of a sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrisome noises can be attributed to several causes.
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 most likely to blame. As your air conditioner functions, moisture from the indoor air accumulates on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is designed to catch and funnel the condensed water clear of your home via a drain line. However, if the drain becomes plugged or compromised, 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 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 clogged and should 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 not work properly. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll have 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 during the cooling process, they do not run on or use water. This means your AC should never sound like running water. If you hear this sound, it could 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 debris limits airflow. This may lead the temperature inside the evaporator coil to drop 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 network is undercharged or leaking and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the capability to absorb the heat. This can make the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to build up on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may coat a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and stopping the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this occurs, the coil might freeze.
- Broken thermostat: Poor temperature calibration may cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal degree. Constant running of an AC unit can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes up.
- Blower issues: The blower circulates air over the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or running at a low speed, the lack of sufficient airflow may freeze the evaporator coil.
3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound
Refrigerant is a critical ingredient in the cooling process. If a leak has developed or air has become stuck in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could possibly gurgle due to overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC service work to a professional who can ensure 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 place and extent of a refrigerant leak, it may produce more of a hissing noise than a gurgling or bubbling sound.
- Problem with the compressor: The compressor located in the outside condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it flows through the air conditioner. This component may make a hissing noise if it is defective.
- 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 such as running water from your air conditioner, take steps to identify and address the cause to avoid further damage. [companyname] can diagnose and repair 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 AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or schedule a repair estimate, please contact [companyname].