Air conditioners are complex systems that rely on various elements, including a compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil and refrigerant to regulate your home’s temperature and humidity level. While these machines are usually sturdy and reliable, it’s not uncommon for AC units to make strange sounds, which may indicate that something is awry. One such sound is dripping, gurgling, bubbling or running water. These distressing noises can be linked to several causes.
1. The AC Makes a Dripping Noise
This is a common air conditioner sound you may hear on hot, humid days and is no cause for alarm. Simple condensation buildup is probably the cause of the sound. As your air conditioner operates, moisture from the interior air accumulates on the evaporator coil and drips into the drain pan underneath. This pan is meant to collect and move the condensed water clear of your home via a drain line. However, 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 down below. If the dripping noise becomes a nuisance, locate the drain pan under the indoor portion of your air conditioner and remove the water.
Also, take AC dripping sounds as a signal that the condensate drain line is clogged and needs to be cleared. A float switch is supposed to 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 solve the issue before your unit will operate normally again.
2. The AC Sounds Like Water Is Running
While air conditioners produce condensate during the cooling process, they do not run on or utilize water. This simply means your AC shouldn't 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 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 accumulated 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 leaky and the refrigerant level is low, it loses the ability to absorb the heat. This can cause the temperature to fall below freezing and ice to form on the coil.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Dust and grime may build up on a forgotten evaporator coil, effectively insulating it and blocking the refrigerant inside of it 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. Continuously running an air conditioner can make the evaporator coil so cold that it freezes completely.
- Blower problems: The blower circulates air across 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 component of the cooling process. If a leak has formed or air gets caught 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 repairs to a professional who can make sure the proper refrigerant charge.
4. The AC Makes a Hissing Noise
A hissing noise from your air conditioner could signify one of these problems:
- Refrigerant leaks: Depending on the location 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 system. This part of the system may make a hissing noise if it gets defective.
- Internal valve leak: The valve that controls refrigerant flow through the compressor may also leak and hiss.
Schedule Air Conditioning Services
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