Why Does it Sound Like Water is Running From My AC?
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Life without air conditioning can be pretty unbearable in our hot Texas climate. When something seems to be going wrong with your unit, it’s natural to feel panicked. If your unit sounds like it’s dripping water, we’ve got the answers (and solutions) for you:
Is There Water in My Air Conditioning Unit?
Your air conditioner takes in warm air from your home and blows it over an evaporator coil which contains refrigerant. As the liquid circulates and absorbs heat, condensation will begin to form. If you’ve ever noticed water droplets on a cold glass during a hot summer day, you know what we’re talking about.
This moisture collects on your unit’s coils and runs down into the drain pan. Finally, the water flows through the condensation line which drains outside of your home. So, if your AC is working properly, this water should drain and not hang around in your unit, and you shouldn’t hear any dripping noises.
When You Have a Problem
If you hear splashing around your house and it isn’t your kids playing in the pool, this is a sign that your air conditioner isn’t working properly. Some of the most common reasons your unit would be making a dripping noise include:
- A clogged condensate drain line
- A cracked drain pain
- Improper installation or size of the unit
- A broken condensate pump
- A dirty air filter
- Lack of refrigerant
If your unit experiences any of these problems without being resolved, its lifespan and efficiency can drastically be reduced. Depending on the severity of the problem, such as a leak, you may need to repair or replace the entire unit. Some of these issues are hard to diagnose on your own.