Find the leak first
Refrigerant charging in Harat Al Mazloum
In Harat Al Mazloum in old downtown Jeddah, refrigerant charging starts with locating the leak in narrow copper pipes squeezed between closely built structures. Alrabih repairs the leak first, evacuates air and moisture, then charges to the correct type and amount.
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Harat Al Mazloum is a tightly built old district of residential and commercial blocks clustered around the markets, leaving little space for copper pipe runs, so they are squeezed along walls, under balconies and inside passages. Leaks here may occur faster due to coastal humidity, dust and salt, and pinpointing the leak source calls for careful inspection in tight, hard-to-reach spots.
Harat Al Mazloum is in Jeddah's historic downtown, a tightly built district of old blocks with squeezed copper runs and narrow passages.
AC pipes in the old buildings here are tightly routed on exterior walls and cramped balconies because the narrow gaps between blocks leave little room.
The AC setup in Harat Al Mazloum
- 1
Independent split per flat or shop
Each flat or shop has its own split unit, with pipes squeezed along narrow walls and tight balconies between them.
- 2
Multiple joints in longer pipe runs
The distance between indoor and outdoor units in multi-storey buildings is long with several joints that may leak.
- 3
Older window units in some shops
Some older shops and storage rooms still use window units where the refrigerant is contained within the unit itself with no extended external pipes.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Harat Al Mazloum
- 1
Arrange parking on the narrow street
Harat Al Mazloum's streets are very narrow, so tell us the closest parking point and the route to reach the building.
- 2
Confirm easy access to the outdoor unit
The outdoor unit may be on an old or cramped balcony, so ensure there is safe space for the team and their equipment to reach and work on it.
- 3
Notify the shop or building owner of the visit time
Coordinate with the shop owner or building manager in advance as accessing the unit may require opening their private balcony or passage.
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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.
How do you fix leaks in the cramped pipes between old buildings?
We inspect the pipes carefully through all tight passages and balconies to pinpoint the leak, then repair it by brazing or replacing the joint as needed.
Does the old town's humidity and salt speed up leaks?
Yes, coastal humidity and salt accelerate copper corrosion, so regular inspection catches leaks early.
Can you reach outdoor units on narrow balconies?
Yes, our team works in tight spaces and moves safely on old balconies to locate and repair leaks without risk.
After repair, will the new charge stay stable in the old pipes?
If the leak is fully sealed and air and moisture are evacuated from the circuit, the new charge will remain stable, though periodic checks are still needed in the coastal environment.
