Why Does My Air Conditioner Sound Like Running Water?

Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on various components, including a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are typically robust and reliable, it’s not uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is wrong. One of these sounds is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be attributed to several causes.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is a common air conditioner sound you could hear on hot, humid days and is no cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is probably to blame. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the indoor air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath. This pan was created to catch and funnel the condensed water a safe distance away from your home via a drain line.

However, if the drain becomes clogged or damaged, 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 clogged and needs to be cleared. A float switch should 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 be forced to fix the problem before your unit will run 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 utilize water. This means your AC should never sound like running water. If you hear this noise, it could indicate 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 cause 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 passes through the evaporator coil. If the air conditioner is undercharged or leaking and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the capacity to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to form on the coil.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grime may coat a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil may freeze.
• Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might 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 over.
• Blower problems: The blower moves air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working right or performing at a low speed, the lack of 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 comes to be trapped in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system may gurgle due to overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC service work 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 location and extent of a refrigerant leak, it may generate 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 moves through the system. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it becomes damaged.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that controls refrigerant flow 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 prevent further damage. Calverley Service Experts can diagnose and service 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 request a repair estimate, please contact Calverley Service Experts.