Find the leak first
Refrigerant charging in Al Hijrah
Refrigerant charging in Al Hijrah requires precise leak detection before any top-up, since a sealed circuit does not naturally consume refrigerant. If pressure is low, there is a leak that must be fixed first.
- Leak located
- Vacuum and test
- Accurate charge
Clients We're Proud to Serve
Organisations and companies that trusted Alrabih with their projects.
Signs the charge is low
- 1
Weak cooling and a compressor that runs on
The unit runs for hours without bringing the temperature down, or cools very slowly. This is usually the first sign the charge is low and the circuit can no longer move heat efficiently.
- 2
Frost on the pipes or evaporator coil
Ice on the thin pipe or on the evaporator coil points to low refrigerant pressure. Continued running can damage the coil. Where the frost forms helps the technician narrow down the problem area.
- 3
A refrigerator or cold room that will not hold temperature
In commercial or industrial refrigeration equipment, a rising cabinet temperature means stock at risk. Low refrigerant is one possible cause, and confirming it needs pressure readings and a circuit check on site.
Who it's for
Your window or portable unit cools slowly
We check circuit pressure, locate and repair the leak, then vacuum and charge to the type shown on your unit's nameplate.
Ask on WhatsAppYour cold room or commercial fridge will not hold temperature
We measure pressure, identify why the cabinet temperature is rising, repair any leak found, then charge to the correct refrigerant type for that unit.
Ask on WhatsApp
What the work covers
- Pressure check and leak location
- Leak repair before charging
- Vacuum and tightness test
- Charge to nameplate refrigerant
- Run test and performance check
How we work
How we work
- 1
Inspect and locate leak
The technician measures circuit pressure and checks joints and components that corrode in Jeddah's humid, salty air, pinpointing the leak before any other step.
- 2
Repair the leak
The technician repairs the leak point, whether a loose joint, a cracked pipe or corrosion in part of the circuit. The unit is not charged until the repair is confirmed tight.
- 3
Vacuum and pressure test
The circuit is evacuated with a vacuum pump to remove air and moisture, then the reading is watched to confirm pressure holds before refrigerant is introduced.
- 4
Charge and run
The unit is charged to the nameplate type and amount, then run and checked for proper performance on site before handover.
Fix the leak or just top it up?
| Alrabih | The usual way | |
|---|---|---|
| The leak | Found and fixed first | Often ignored |
| Vacuum | Before every charge | Sometimes skipped |
| Refrigerant type | As the nameplate states | May be mixed or swapped |
| Compressor | Protected by correct charge | Worn by wrong charge |
| Refrigeration equipment | AC, fridges and cold rooms | Usually AC only |
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
Most Al Hijrah buildings are relatively modern: villas and spacious residential blocks with gardens and open courtyards, so central and multi-split systems are common. This means refrigerant circuits run long through copper piping, raising leak points at connections and joints. Leak detection with specialised tools is essential before charging; otherwise, topping up alone will overstress the compressor and waste the refrigerant.
Al Hijrah is a modern neighbourhood in north-east Jeddah, dominated by villas and spacious residential blocks with generous outdoor space for units and piping.
Most systems here are multi-split or central AC with long copper circuits running through gardens and outdoor courtyards.
The AC setup in Al Hijrah
- 1
Multi-split with extended copper circuits
Modern villas and blocks typically run multiple indoor units from a single outdoor unit via long copper circuits through the garden.
- 2
Central AC with ductwork and refrigerant piping
Larger blocks sometimes use a single central system distributing air through ducts and refrigerant through piping run underground or in walls.
- 3
Independent split units in villas
Smaller villas may have independent split units per room or zone, with medium-length copper runs through walls and the garden.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Hijrah
- 1
Ensure the team can reach the outdoor unit
Outdoor units in Al Hijrah are often in gardens or on roofs; confirm safe, unobstructed access before the visit.
- 2
Point out all the copper piping runs
Photograph or trace the pipe route from the outdoor unit to indoor units, especially if it runs through the garden or tricky spots.
- 3
Have the unit's nameplate information ready
Collect the model, capacity and original refrigerant type from the outdoor unit's nameplate so we charge with the correct type and amount.
More districts for Refrigerant charging
Other services in Al Hijrah
FAQ
Questions about Refrigerant charging
Can you just add refrigerant without looking for the leak?
A sealed refrigerant circuit does not consume refrigerant. A low charge means there is a leak somewhere. Adding refrigerant without finding and repairing that leak brings the same fault back quickly and can damage the compressor. The correct sequence is always to locate the leak, repair it, pull a vacuum on the circuit, and then charge to the type and quantity shown on the unit's nameplate.
Where does refrigerant leak in commercial refrigeration equipment?
The most common points are expansion fittings and restrictions on the liquid line, flare joints at the evaporator and condenser, and service valves where the rubber seals have aged. In commercial refrigeration, old copper pipe welds weakened by continuous compressor vibration are also a frequent source. The exact location is found during the site inspection.
Does the refrigerant type affect how the unit performs?
Yes. Every unit is designed for a specific refrigerant type with defined operating pressures and heat transfer properties. Using a different type changes those pressures and can either overload the compressor or reduce cooling output. For this reason the unit is always charged with the exact type shown on its nameplate and no substitute is used.
Is the charging work different for a home AC unit and a commercial refrigerator?
Yes, they differ in several ways. Commercial refrigeration units operate at pressures and with refrigerant types distinct from those in air conditioners, and their target temperatures are much lower. The pipe circuits are also longer and often include multiple distributors and valves that require careful inspection before vacuuming and charging. The nature of each circuit determines the procedure.
Is the charging work different for a home AC unit and a commercial refrigerator?
The core steps are the same: locate the leak, repair it, vacuum the circuit, then charge to the nameplate type. Commercial refrigeration units sometimes have additional valves and components that require a different inspection approach. What each unit needs is determined by the technician on site after pressure readings and a circuit check.
My AC loses cooling quickly, is that a refrigerant leak?
Likely yes. Refrigerant does not consume in a healthy sealed circuit, so rapid loss points to a leak in the piping or joints. We detect and repair the leak first, then charge with the correct refrigerant.
Are the long copper runs in my garden more prone to leaks?
Yes, long runs through gardens and open spaces face higher pressure and weather exposure, so leaks are more likely at joints and bends. Regular inspection is essential.
Al Hijrah is near the coast, does salt air affect the refrigerant charge?
Salt air accelerates corrosion of copper pipes and joints over time, potentially causing slow leaks and gradual refrigerant loss. Regular maintenance reduces this risk.
How do you ensure the correct refrigerant charge for my unit?
We evacuate the circuit with a vacuum pump, then charge with the type and quantity listed on the unit's nameplate, not by pressure guess or trial.
