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 amiss. One such sound 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 might hear on hot, humid days and is no cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is most likely to blame. As your air conditioner operates, moisture from the indoor air collects on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is designed to catch and funnel the condensed water away from your home via a drain line.

However, 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 below. If the dripping noise becomes a nuisance, locate the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and empty it.

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 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 fix the problem before your unit will operate 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 never sound like running water. If you hear this noise, it could mean the evaporator coil has frozen over and is now thawing and dripping water onto the ground.

This can happen 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 system is undercharged or leaking and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to drop below freezing and ice to form on the coil.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grime may coat a neglected evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and preventing the refrigerant inside from absorbing heat. When this happens, the coil may freeze.
• Malfunctioning thermostat: Poor temperature calibration may cause the air conditioner to run continuously, even when the indoor temperature is already at the desired level. Constant operation can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes over.
• Blower problems: The blower circulates air over the evaporator coil. If it isn’t working correctly or running 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 has become trapped in the refrigerant line, you may hear gurgling or bubbling as the refrigerant flows. Similarly, your system may gurgle due to overcharged refrigerant. Always leave AC repairs to a professional who can ensure 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 severity 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 system. This component may make a hissing noise if it becomes damaged.
• Internal valve leak: The valve that controls refrigerant flow through 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. Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can diagnose and repair 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. Every AC repair comes with a one-year 100% satisfaction guarantee! To learn more or request a repair estimate, please contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.