It’s never a good sign to be hearing strange noises coming from your air conditioning unit. This is because a properly working AC unit should not be making any dripping or water sounds in the first place. Do you know what else isn’t a good idea? Ignoring it. If you’re unsure if strange noises are serious or not, we highly recommend that you contact an HVAC system specialist to check it out for you.
It’s much worse to leave possible air conditioner problems unresolved than it is to be overly cautious, especially when it comes to possible drainage issues that could be signs of a leak in your house. This could lead to serious problems like water damage and mould growth.
Your air conditioner draws in the air across condenser coils. This strips excess heat and moisture from the air before putting it back out into the house. A reduction in humidity assists in cooling the air in your house and reduces the risk of mould growth.
So, where does this moisture absorbed by your aircon go? It accumulates in one place: the drain pan (also known as the drip pan). From there, it’s taken out of your house via a drain line. That is if your unit is draining properly.
Your condensation drain should be the first thing you check when you hear your AC unit making dripping noises. Dirty, clogged, and worn out condensation drains can cause water dripping, but it may be fixed simply by unclogging or fixing the drain. Clogged condensation drains are common with both central and indoor air units.
You may be able to fix this problem yourself, but first, you’ll need to check to see if this drain is easily accessible. Check how your specific air conditioning unit works before attempting to fix it and if you are unsure, contact a professional. Damaged condensate drains should be serviced immediately.
When your AC unit absorbs excess moisture, it evaporates. It is not uncommon for this process to produce water dripping sounds. If this is the case, then there is no need to panic. There is likely nothing wrong with your air conditioning unless you notice water dripping from your unit.
A common cause of water leakage is frozen coils. When water freezes on the coils, once it heats up again, the ice melts, causing water to drip. If this is the case, you will need to get this problem fixed by a technician right away.
If you’ve checked your condensation drain and it wasn’t clogged, the dripping water could be caused by a high water feed rate (the amount of water going into an air conditioner). This can happen when humidity levels are high, causing an excess build-up of moisture.
When this build-up occurs, it may be too much for your unit to hold, causing excess water to drain to the outside. This is not a cause for concern, but if the flow increase is concerningly high, it’s not a bad idea to have a technician inspect it for you.
The worst-case scenario would be an actual leak in your house, which puts you at risk for mould and mildew. If you have reason to suspect there is a leak, immediately contact a professional. Damage can accumulate quickly and be extensive.
Improperly installed air conditioners may not drain properly and can be a source of dripping water. Mechanical or installation issues can lead to water leaks, which can cause significant problems and damage.
Hearing unexplained noises like dripping or running water from your heating and cooling systems warrants special attention. These noises should always be taken seriously and their causes investigated so you don’t incur huge costs later due to unforeseen water damage.
If you’re hearing a dripping sound coming from AC system, try to locate its source and contact an HVAC specialist to inspect it for you. Do not ignore HVAC system noises, because systems that are working properly should not make any noises at all.
Enercell Air Conditioning is the best HVAC specialist in Sydney, especially for air conditioning installation services. Request a quote from us now about your aircon having dripping sound, or call us to find out more about our services!
A: There are several potential causes for a dripping noise coming from your air conditioner:
A: First try cleaning out the condensation drain line. Clogs here are a common cause of AC dripping. You may be able to DIY this fix. If drain line issues persist, or you suspect a leak, call an HVAC technician immediately. They can properly diagnose and repair the AC.
A: A small amount of dripping is normal as condensation forms and gets drained out. But consistent dripping or pooling water indicates a problem needing repair. Don’t ignore leaks.
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.
A: If you can’t fix the issue by clearing the drain line, if dripping persists, or if you suspect a refrigerant leak, call an HVAC technician right away. Dripping AC units need professional diagnosis and repair.