Central AC, start to finish
Central AC installation in Al Balad
In Al Balad, old Jeddah's heart, installing central AC in period villas and apartment blocks demands precision given tight spaces and closely built neighbours. We handle load calculation, design, supply, duct fabrication, copper runs and commissioning as one team, so you inherit a working system from day one.
- Design and build
- Own-workshop ducts
- Full commissioning
Clients We're Proud to Serve
Organisations and companies that trusted Alrabih with their projects.
Who needs a complete central system?
- 1
A new villa before finishing
The finishing stage is the right time to run central AC ducts before the ceilings close. Delaying the decision means extra cost later or compromises in the duct route that weaken airflow in certain rooms.
- 2
A commercial or office building
A commercial building needs airflow that fits how the floors are divided and how the load varies between levels. The site survey sets unit count, duct routes and outlet positions before any decision is made.
- 3
An old system draining power
Old units, deteriorating ducts and leaking copper push the electricity bill up without cooling the space properly. Replacing the whole system starts with a fresh load calculation, not with larger units pushed into the same old ductwork.
Who it's for
Building a villa and need ducts before ceilings close
We visit during the finishing stage, design duct routes and outlet positions, fabricate the ducts in our workshop and install them before the ceilings close, so you take over a fully working villa.
Ask on WhatsAppManaging a commercial building and replacing an old system
We recalculate the loads, design airflow to match the current floor layout and replace both units and ductwork completely so the system runs reliably without repeated faults.
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What the contract covers
- Load calc and system design
- Units from authorised distributors
- Duct fabrication and fitting
- Insulated Mueller copper runs
- Full commissioning and handover
How we work
How we work
- 1
Survey and load calculation
The engineer visits, measures each zone, and calculates the thermal load per area, accounting for facade orientation, ceiling height and how the space will be used in Jeddah's hot and humid conditions.
- 2
Design and unit selection
We draw duct routes and outlet positions and select units from Carrier, YORK, General, Midea, Gree or Smart Gold, then present the design to you before any work begins.
- 3
Fabrication and installation
Round and rectangular ducts are fabricated in our workshop from G90 galvanised sheet to SMACNA standards, then installed on site alongside the copper runs, insulation and electrical connections.
- 4
Commissioning and handover
We pressure-test the copper lines, vacuum them, check air balance at every outlet and condensate drain fall, then hand the system over to you in full working order.
One contractor or several parties?
| Alrabih | The usual way | |
|---|---|---|
| Design and build | One party accountable | Designer and installer split |
| Ducts | Our workshop, G90 standard | Unmonitored outside suppliers |
| Copper | Mueller up to 30 metres unwelded | Unknown source, many joints |
| Commissioning | Pressure test, vacuum, air balance | Straight power-on, no testing |
| Insulation | Armaflex and Kimmco fitted | Patchy or missing |
Everything your AC needs, from one team
From system design and duct fabrication to installation, commissioning and maintenance.
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Some of our work
Ductwork, rooftop units and diffusers, from work we've completed in Jeddah.
Customer reviews
What our customers say
- Muhammadramzan 2641
“MashaaAllah. Services are so good. Behaviour and kindness 100/100. Prices are less then Market. Fully recommended”
- shahzeb armani
“Wow. Prices are so comfortable. Outstanding services. People are so talented and nice”
- Tawfik AlyawerLocal Guide
“U can find all u need for air conditioning”
Your satisfaction matters to us! If you had a great experience with us, we'd love a 5-star rating and a kind review.
Worked with us? Leave a reviewService areas
We come to you anywhere in Jeddah
From Al Shiraa and Al Yaqout in the north to Al Thaghr and Al Quraiyat in the south, with our base in Al Aziziyah.
What sets this district apart
Most Al Balad buildings are older with tight wall cavities, making duct runs challenging and demanding smart routing around stairs and columns. The villas and blocks here were not originally built for central AC, so we inspect the structure, available spaces and floor heights before quoting. The walls and ceilings are poorly insulated by modern standards, meaning the unit size must be somewhat larger than usual to offset heat loss.
Al Balad sits in historic central Jeddah, an area of closely built older villas and apartment blocks clustered around traditional markets and squares.
Most villas and blocks in Al Balad need a unit rated 3 to 5 tonnes, with the outdoor unit typically mounted on the roof or a rear wall.
The AC setup in Al Balad
- 1
Central system with compact, smart ducts
Older construction forces compact duct routes that navigate carefully around columns and stairs, using smaller sections in tight spaces.
- 2
Outdoor unit on roof or rear wall
Al Balad villas and blocks rarely have front-facing space, so the outdoor unit sits on the roof or a rear wall away from the main street.
- 3
Extra duct insulation in hot zones
Ducts routed through unconditioned spaces or exposed to sun need extra insulation to maintain temperature.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Balad
- 1
Get building management approval in advance
If in an apartment block, confirm with management that they accept the proposed outdoor unit location and internal duct routes before our visit.
- 2
Ensure internal passages and roof access are unlocked
We need access to roofs and vertical shafts, so ask building management to unlock these or assign someone to meet us on survey day.
- 3
Point out the main electrical panel location
Show us where the main panel is and confirm it is safely accessible before the visit, as we need to check capacity and connections.
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FAQ
Questions about Central AC installation
How do you decide the right unit size for my villa?
We calculate the thermal load for each zone based on its area, ceiling height, number of external openings, orientation and how it will be used. In Jeddah the sun's effect on west-facing facades is significant, and high humidity goes into the calculation. We choose the unit size after this calculation, not before.
Do you make the ducts yourselves or buy them ready-made?
We fabricate round and rectangular ducts in our own workshop from G90 galvanised sheet or aluminium sheet depending on what the project needs. This lets us cut ducts to the exact site dimensions and fit them tightly, avoiding ill-fitting sections that leak air and raise electricity consumption.
What if the copper run to an outdoor unit is very long?
We use Mueller copper in runs of up to 30 metres without welded joints, which reduces potential leak points. If a run exceeds that, the survey determines whether the outdoor unit position needs rethinking or whether the refrigerant charge needs adjustment according to the type shown on the unit's nameplate.
Can each floor of the villa run on its own?
Yes, and it is settled at the design stage. Each floor can have its own unit, or the network can be split into zones with dampers and a thermostat in each, so you do not cool the whole upper floor while the family sits in the majlis. We recommend the right option after the load calculation.
Do the outdoor units need a special base on the roof?
Yes, and the roof surface determines what kind of base is needed. For villas we fabricate a raised steel frame that keeps the unit clear of pooled rainwater and allows airflow beneath it. The exact height and angle depend on the roof pitch and the condensate drain position, which the site survey establishes. The aim is to keep the unit level and to prevent vibration movement during operation.
Old Al Balad buildings have tight spaces for duct runs, how do you manage this?
We survey the building before any quote, map the walls, columns and stairs, then design horizontal and vertical runs that work within the existing structure. Sometimes we use smaller-diameter ducts or split the system into two zones if needed.
Al Balad apartment blocks have shared roofs, where does the outdoor unit go?
We liaise with the building management first to agree on outdoor unit placement on the roof or a safe rear wall. If the roof is unavailable, we mount it on a side or rear wall away from main windows.
Does humidity and dust near the markets affect the outdoor unit?
Yes, proximity to the markets and coast accelerates corrosion of metals and fins, so we specify units from robust brands rated for coastal air, and recommend annual condenser cleaning.
Old Al Balad buildings have weak electrical wiring, can it handle central AC?
We check the main panel and existing wiring before design. If undersized, we advise upgrading the electrical circuit through a licensed electrician before we install the unit.
