A: Low refrigerant levels, dirty filters, airflow blockages, and thermostat issues can cause evaporator coils to freeze up. This can lead to melting and dripping when the AC cycles on. Have an HVAC pro inspect your system.
As your AC unit operates, it pulls humidity from the air, which condenses into water. This water typically drains away from the unit through a condensation line. If this drain is clogged or the drain pan is misaligned, it can cause water to back up and create a dripping sound.
When the AC is on but no water is coming out, it's not necessarily dangerous. This could simply mean that the humidity level is low, or the condensate drain line is clear, allowing water to evaporate before it exits the unit.
If you're hearing a dripping noise…
The way an AC unit works is by taking the humidity from the air and getting rid of it. Once the water is taken out of the air, it needs somewhere to go. If you're hearing a dripping sound coming from your unit, it's most likely this condensation splashing into a drip pan.
The most common cause of a hissing sound from an AC unit is a leak in the compressor or the refrigerant. The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the condenser coils, which helps to cool the air. If the compressor is leaking, the refrigerant will escape and create a hissing sound.
Operating an air conditioning system with a refrigerant leak could cause considerable damage to the system. The compressor, a key component of your AC, relies on refrigerant to function and cool.
If the air vent does not fit snugly into the supply duct it is attached to, air may escape around the outsides of the vent as well as through its louvers. When this occurs, condensation might build and eventually leak down, causing dripping water sounds coming from your vents.
But a persistent hissing or whistling sound could be a sign of a refrigerant leak. A refrigerant leak could occur in your refrigerant lines or in your internal valve. Leaky refrigerant lines could also make a bubbling sound. Leaky internal valves will worsen if left unchecked, and the hissing sound will intensify.
To unclog an AC drain line, turn off the power to the unit. Locate the drain line and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. Flush the line with water using a garden hose or cup of water. Check and clean the drain pan under the indoor unit.
One of the most common causes of leakage is clogged drainage. The culprit can be dirt, dust, and fungus that block the water to flow. The water will try to find the other way out, causing the AC to leak. If you let this problem sit for too long, this may cause a breathing problem.
One of the most obvious signs is a puddle of water in your AC's drain pan, which proves the water isn't draining as it should. Other signs include: Standing water near your air conditioner's condenser unit. A moldy smell around the drain or from your system's vents and registers.
Keeping Your Evaporator Coils in Good Shape
Remember, while some maintenance tasks can be done yourself, others should be left to professionals. In conclusion, it's normal for your AC to drip water outside as it's a byproduct of the cooling and dehumidification process.
While air conditioners create condensate as a component of the cooling process, they do not run on or consume water. What this means is 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.
The dripping noise you hear could come from some sort of motion, concussion, or vibration in the pipes themselves. For instance, temperature changes that cause thermal expansion may make pipes produce tapping, ticking, or dripping noises. Abnormal water pressure or air in the pipes can also create such sounds.
This can cause excess moisture to accumulate in the AC and lead to mould growth or even electrical damage. Another possible reason for this issue is a malfunctioning float switch that's designed to turn off the AC if there's too much water in its collection tray.
Flush Condensate Drain Line
The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250.
If your air conditioning system leaks refrigerant, it can lead to major problems such as lower energy efficiency, higher bills, and a shorter lifespan for your HVAC system.
If, on inspection, you hear chattering, whining, squealing, chirping, or rattling sounds coming from the AC compressor, it is time for AC service. Sometimes the commotion only erupts when you engage the AC switch. Some noises remain constant. Compressor noises result from either a faulty clutch or a seizing shaft.
A leak from your air conditioner can cause significant damage to the system. Whether there's more moisture on or near your AC than usual or water is ponding near the drain line, consider it an emergency. The damage from water can quickly escalate and spread to nearby equipment, materials, and furnishings.
If you have ventwork or central air set up in your home, you could be hearing the drip-drop of the AC air handler or condensation drain. An air conditioner removes the moisture from the air, filtering it through a drain line.
Condensation. When pipes quickly change temperature, you may hear a dripping sound in the wall from the condensation that forms. Condensation typically occurs in the summer and winter months because of rapid temperature fluctuations.
“A small amount of washing up liquid to the body of water may represent a simple and novel way to alleviate the annoying noise of a leaking tap or water dripping from a roof into a bucket,” researchers wrote in a study published by Nature, late last week.