Air conditioning is one of the best ways to stay cool on a hot summer day. That’s why staying current with routine maintenance and changing out your air filter every month are so important. Still, even the most dutiful homeowners’ air conditioners can run into problems sometimes. 

If your AC is making water sounds, it could be a sign of trouble. On the other hand, water sounds in your AC can mean your unit is working perfectly. So, how do you tell the difference? It all depends on the type of water noises your air conditioner is making.

Before you call us to schedule an appointment for AC repair, here are three types of water noises your air conditioner might make:

1. Dripping Noises 

Dripping sounds mean your air conditioner is working properly. 

Your air conditioner cools the air in your home in two different ways. One way is by running warm air through a refrigerant to lower its temperature and then returning it to your home. The other way is by removing humidity from that air. Once removed from the air, the humidity becomes condensation and drips water from the AC unit into a pan. 

What should you do about it? 

Go back inside and continue to enjoy your air conditioned home. 

2. Splashing or Running Water Noises

Splashing or running water noises mean your drip pan may be overflowing. 

When your air conditioner unit is operating properly, the water in the drip pan will either evaporate or be drained out through a condensate drain line. If the water in the drip pan has nowhere to go, the drip pan will start to overflow, which will make a splashing or running water sound. Splashing or running water sounds are typically caused by a blocked condensate drain pipe. When the drip pan is overflowing, there is a risk that the water could leak into your house and cause water damage. 

What should you do about it? 

It is relatively simple to unclog your condensate drain pipe on your own. But if the process of unclogging your condensate drain pipe is too challenging or if it didn’t work, call us to schedule a repair appointment.  

3. Bubbling or Gurgling Noises

Gurgling or bubbling sounds mean there is a problem with your refrigerant line. 

The warm air from inside your home is cooled, in part, by being exposed to a copper pipe called the refrigerant line. When working properly, this line is airtight. However, if there is a problem with the seal, small amounts of air could get into the refrigerant line. Those form small bubbles in the line, which make a bubbling noise as the refrigerant circulates. 

Another problem that may cause a bubbling or gurgling sound is a leak in the refrigerant line. Depending on how old your air conditioner is, it is possible that this refrigerant leak is a health hazard. If it gets low enough, your air conditioning will stop kicking on and it could eventually cause enough damage to require replacing the whole AC unit. 

What should you do about it? 

Bubbling and gurgling noises are a strong indicator that you should call us to schedule an AC repair appointment.

4. Hissing Noises

A hissing noise coming from your air conditioner could mean a few different things. But in most cases, it’s the result of a refrigerant leak, which can create a hissing sound as the refrigerant escapes.

Another possibility is that there is some sort of blockage in the system. A clogged refrigerant line can cause the refrigerant to flow unevenly, and a clogged air filter can result in increased air pressure within the unit. Both of these will lead to hissing sounds.

What should you do about it?

It’s a good idea to address a hissing sound promptly. Letting it go on too long could cause further damage and prevent your air conditioner from functioning efficiently. Calling a professional is the best way to ensure the problem is properly diagnosed and fixed quickly and effectively.

If your air conditioner is making any noises you don’t like, watery or otherwise, Welter can help. Schedule an air conditioner repair appointment today.