Chiller and AHU installation
Chiller & AHU installation in Al Shifa
In Al Shifa, south Jeddah, hotels, retail centres and large residential complexes need efficient centralised cooling for extensive spaces. Alrabih installs chillers on isolated bases and runs chilled water through fully insulated pipework to strategically distributed AHUs.
- Vibration isolation
- Aluminium cladding
- Full commissioning
Clients We're Proud to Serve
Organisations and companies that trusted Alrabih with their projects.
When you need this installation
- 1
A new commercial or government building
The building is ready but the central cooling plant is not yet installed. You need a team to lift the chiller to the roof, prepare the bases and run chilled water pipework to AHUs on every floor.
- 2
An existing unit vibrates and makes noise
Constant vibration loosens pipe joints and fatigues mechanical components. If the unit is not sitting on proper vibration isolators, that is corrected during reinstallation; the site survey determines which isolator type is needed.
- 3
Extending an existing building
Adding floors or new areas means extra AHUs and extending the chilled water network. We connect the extension to the existing plant after verifying the current chiller capacity, which the site study determines.
Who it's for
Building a hospital or hotel that needs a central cooling plant
We visit the site before the building is complete to plan pipe routes and the plant room, then lift the chiller, mount AHUs on every floor and commission the full system.
Ask on WhatsAppReplaced an old chiller but connections do not match
We survey the new chiller and existing pipework, fabricate any transition pieces needed in our workshop, then reconnect and pressure-test the network before start-up.
Ask on WhatsApp
What the installation covers
- Chiller lifted onto isolated base
- Chilled pipework run and insulated
- Aluminium cladding of pipework
- AHUs mounted and duct-connected
- Pressure test and commissioning
How we work
How we work
- 1
Site survey and design
We visit the site to measure the plant room or roof, check pipe and duct routes, and determine lifting requirements and the right vibration isolator type for the building.
- 2
Base preparation and lifting
We prepare the chiller and AHU bases, fix the vibration isolators, lift the units into final position and check they are level before any connections are made.
- 3
Pipework and ductwork
We run the chilled water pipes, insulate them and clad them in aluminium sheet to resist Jeddah's humid salty air, then connect each AHU to its duct network.
- 4
Pressure test and commissioning
We pressure-test the pipework to confirm there are no leaks, then run the full system, measure air conditions at each AHU and adjust dampers until the required air distribution is achieved.
Considered installation or a rushed one?
| Alrabih | The usual way | |
|---|---|---|
| Chiller base | Isolators matched to the site | Bolted straight to concrete |
| Pipe insulation | Full insulation with aluminium cladding | Partial or left bare |
| Pipe test | Pressure test before start-up | Started without testing |
| Air balancing | Measured and dampers adjusted | Unbalanced airflow |
| Transition pieces | Fabricated in our own workshop | Improvised or ill-fitting |
Everything your AC needs, from one team
From system design and duct fabrication to installation, commissioning and maintenance.
Split AC installation
Request this serviceDuct installation
Request this serviceCentral AC installation
Request this serviceDuct fabrication
Request this serviceCold room installation
Request this serviceElectro-mechanical works
Request this serviceChiller & AHU installation
Request this serviceHVAC design
Request this serviceAC repair & faults
Request this serviceAC cleaning
Request this serviceRefrigerant charging
Request this serviceCentral AC maintenance
Request this serviceChiller maintenance
Request this serviceAC removal & refitting
Request this serviceDuct cleaning & sanitising
Request this serviceAC servicing by brand
Request this serviceOperation & maintenance contracts
Request this serviceAHU maintenance
Request this serviceFridge & freezer service
Request this serviceCold rooms
Request this serviceDisplay fridges & chillers
Request this serviceFactory HVAC
Request this serviceWarehouse HVAC
Request this serviceVilla & home HVAC
Request this serviceHotel HVAC
Request this serviceSchool HVAC
Request this serviceHospital HVAC
Request this serviceMosque HVAC
Request this serviceMall & retail HVAC
Request this serviceRestaurant & cafe HVAC
Request this service
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
Al Shifa is a fast-growing area with modern commercial, hotel and mid-to-high-rise residential buildings with large open interior spaces requiring robust distributed cooling. The buildings here are newer than older districts, making central cooling easier to install, but outdoor condenser locations must be safe and pipework must not impact common areas or décor. Heat loads also vary between hotels, retail units and flats within the same complex.
Al Shifa lies in south Jeddah, a modern district mixing hotel, retail and mid-rise residential buildings.
Large buildings here use multiple central chillers, with separate AHUs for each commercial or residential section of the complex.
The AC setup in Al Shifa
- 1
Single or multiple chillers based on load
Large complexes may use one large chiller or several smaller units connected in series, depending on space distribution and thermal loads.
- 2
Complex, documented duct and pipeline networks
The distribution network spans multiple floors and sections, requiring precise documentation and aluminium cladding with thermal insulation to prevent heat loss and condensation.
- 3
Separate AHUs by usage type
Hotels, retail and residential sections each have dedicated AUs with independent temperature control suited to their needs.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Shifa
- 1
Obtain full building usage plans
Send the building layout showing hotel, retail and residential sections, size of each, and expected occupancy for guests and residents.
- 2
Designate safe locations for condensers
Select the roof or designated space for condenser units, ensuring they do not affect residential windows or common areas for guests and residents.
- 3
Coordinate with complex management and consultant
Meet the complex management and consulting engineer to explain the installation plan, schedule and specific requirements for each building section.
More districts for Chiller & AHU installation
Other services in Al Shifa
FAQ
Questions about Chiller & AHU installation
How is the chiller unit lifted to the roof?
The method depends on the chiller weight, the building height and the space available around the site. The survey determines whether a crane or other equipment is used, and we verify that the roof structure can carry the load before setting the unit on its base.
Why do chilled water pipes need aluminium cladding in Jeddah?
Chilled water pipes carry cold water through hot, humid, salty air. Without external protection, insulation deteriorates from moisture and salt and loses effectiveness. Aluminium cladding protects the insulation from outdoor air on rooftops and the humid interior air found in coastal buildings like those in Jeddah.
Can you connect AHUs to an existing duct network?
Yes, if the existing ducts are in good condition and match the new unit's connections. At the survey we check the duct opening sizes, the duct condition and the plenum arrangement, and confirm whether part of the network needs adjustment or transition pieces need to be fabricated in our workshop.
What does system commissioning involve?
After the pipe pressure test we run the chiller and AHUs, measuring air temperature and pressure at each unit's outlets. We adjust dampers and valves to achieve the designed air and water flow to every zone in the building, and record the final readings before handover.
What is the difference between placing the chiller on concrete inertia bases and on rubber anti-vibration mounts?
A concrete inertia base adds mass that dampens the chiller's own vibration and holds the unit steady when the compressor starts. Rubber anti-vibration mounts interrupt the path of vibration before it reaches the roof slab. Whether to use one approach or both depends on the site survey, which takes into account the roof structure, the size of the unit and the building design.
Can one chiller serve both a hotel and residential sections?
Yes, but it needs separate design. Hotels require different temperature and humidity than residences. We install separate chillers or zones with independent distribution units for each section.
Where are chiller condensers placed in Al Shifa?
Most modern buildings here have dedicated rooftops or ventilation spaces. We select a location away from residential windows and common areas to minimise noise and visual impact.
Does summer heat reduce the chiller's efficiency?
Yes, high temperatures increase condenser load. We size the chiller based on peak summer temperatures to ensure optimal performance year-round.
How many inspection and maintenance points do we need on the pipeline?
That depends on the network length and number of connected units. We place inspection points at regular intervals for easy leak detection and periodic cleaning.
