Common AC noises like an occasional hum or noisy gust of air are typically harmless. However, a well-maintained unit should never produce a noticeable, persistent burbling. If your AC sounds like a dripping faucet, it’s time to seriously investigate.
A variety of issues — ranging from minor fixes to irreparably broken parts — may result in this bothersome water sound. For help pinpointing the exact culprit, contact Champion AC & Plumbing today. Our Austin HVAC professionals can silence disruptive sounds and guard your home against future cooling troubles.
Although you can’t be certain of the precise cause until you find professional help, most water sounds are related to the following issues:
Icy Coils
The typical explanation for a leaky sound is, of course, dripping water within your unit. Your cooling system may have reached a particularly low temperature, causing its coils to freeze. As this frozen water melts, it audibly drops against the surrounding metal.
Before contacting a professional, try turning off your thermostat and fan, giving any frost in your unit ample time to melt and dry.
Leaking Air Handler
Alternatively, your indoor air handler might be leaking. Your air handler, which circulates chilled air in and out of your home, should have a drain line. If this line is damaged in some way, excess water will flow out, resulting in an irritating noise.
You’ll likely need to schedule an AC repair appointment, allowing a technician to replace or mend the broken drain line.
Clogged Condensation Drain
Ideally, a condensation drain whisks away excess moisture inside your cooling system. However, if this part is old or obstructed, it may not function properly, leading to a dripping sound.
If you know where to find the drain, you can easily clear away blockage by hand. Make sure to check your system’s manual first though, as the location of the drain varies by model.
Insufficient Refrigerant
Low refrigerant can affect the circulation and pressure levels of your whole system. Consequently, your coils are more likely to freeze over, resulting in the previously mentioned dripping.
Consistent air conditioning maintenance can prevent this issue, as technicians will notice if your unit is low on refrigerant during check-ins.
Old Drain Pan
Over time, your cooling unit will inevitably age and wear out. An old, rusted drain pan can catch excess water as well, allowing droplets to fall to the floor. A simple pan replacement can quickly resolve this problem.
High Water Feed Rate
Feed rate refers to the quantity of water entering your unit to ensure proper functioning. Too much water can cause an overflow, resulting in audible splashing or dripping. Fortunately, a professional technician can identify and address the root cause of a high water feed rate.
Evaporation
One cause of watery AC noises doesn’t merit concern: evaporation. If your unit is running properly, any excess water from the cooling process will evaporate. During evaporation, hearing an occasional drip is perfectly normal. Unless this dripping becomes constant or irritating, there’s no reason to worry.
Connect with an Austin HVAC Team
If any AC noises are loud enough to annoy you, it’s time to call in professionals. Champion AC & Plumbing Austin offers a broad range of services (including air conditioning maintenance and repairs) to ensure your home stays cool and quiet throughout the coming summer months.
Contact us!
