Air conditioners are complex 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 strong and reliable, it’s not unusual for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is wrong. One such sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These worrying noises can be linked to several origins.

1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise

This is an often reported air conditioner sound you might hear on hot, humid days and is no cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is probably the culprit. As your air conditioner functions, moisture from the indoor air gathers on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is designed to catch and move the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

Then again, if the drain becomes clogged or damaged, water can accumulate in the pan, leading to a dripping or splashing noise as freshly collected condensate drips into the pool down below. If the dripping noise becomes too irritating, identify the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and clear it.

Also, take AC dripping sounds as a signal that the condensate drain line is plugged and must be cleared. A float switch is supposed to automatically shut off your conditioner before the drain pan overflows and causes 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 need to correct the issue before your unit will operate normally again.

2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running

While air conditioners make condensate as a part of the cooling process, they do not run on or consume water. This simply means your AC should never sound like running water. If you hear this water noise, it might mean 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 choked with dust, dirt and other particles blocks airflow. This may lead the temperature inside the evaporator coil to drop below freezing, which then freezes the condensate gathered on the coil.
Low refrigerant level: Chilled refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air as it moves through the evaporator coil. If the network is undercharged or leaky and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the capability to absorb the heat. This can make the temperature to slide below freezing and ice to build up on the coil.
Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grease may coat a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and stopping the refrigerant within it from absorbing heat. When this takes place, the coil may freeze.
Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration might cause the air conditioner to run continually, even when the indoor temperature is already at the correct number. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
Blower troubles: The blower moves air over the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or operating 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 vital ingredient in the cooling process. If a leak forms or air gets trapped in the refrigerant line, you might hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Additionally, your system could very well gurgle because of overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repair work 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.
Problem with the compressor: The compressor located in the outside condensing unit pressurizes the refrigerant as it passes through the AC model. This element may make a hissing noise if it gets damaged.
Internal valve leak: The valve that regulates refrigerant circulation throughout 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 prevent further damage. Service Experts can identify and service any concern 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 Service Experts G uarantee! To learn more or schedule a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts.