Air conditioners are complicated systems that rely on several elements, including a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are usually strong 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 worrying noises can be traced back 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 most likely the culprit. As your air conditioner performs, moisture from the inside air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan beneath it. This pan is meant to collect 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, leading to a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool below. If the dripping noise becomes an annoyance, identify 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 plugged and needs to 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 fail. Plus, if your AC keeps turning itself off because of a full drain pan, you’ll need to fix the drain pan issue 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 consume water. This means your AC should not ever sound like running water. If you hear this noise, it may mean 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 choked with dust, dirt and other crud blocks airflow. This may lead the temperature inside the evaporator coil to get 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 network is undercharged or leaky and the refrigerant level is not high enough, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to develop on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and dirt may accumulate on an ignored evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and stopping the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil may possibly freeze.
- Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration may cause the air conditioner to run continuously, even when the indoor temperature is already at the ideal degree. Continuously running an air conditioner can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes over.
- Blower troubles: The blower moves air through the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working effectively or performing at a low speed, the low level of airflow can freeze the evaporator coil.
3. The AC Makes a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound
Refrigerant is a critical element of the cooling process. If a leak forms or air comes to be stuck in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Along those same lines, your system may 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 indicate one of these problems:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the site and severity of a refrigerant leak, it may create 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 AC model. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it becomes damaged.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that controls refrigerant flow throughout the compressor may also leak and hiss.
Schedule Air Conditioning Services
If you hear a sound similar to running water from your air conditioner, take steps to identify and address the cause to prevent additional damage. [companyname] can identify and service any malfunction 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 schedule a repair estimate, please contact [companyname].