Find the leak first
Refrigerant charging in Harat Al Sham
In Harat Al Sham, in old central Jeddah, AC units and fridges are charged with refrigerant after any connection leak is repaired. Alrabih's team locates the leak source, repairs it, then vacuums and recharges with 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.
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
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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
Harat Al Sham is an old, densely populated district in Jeddah's historic centre, with closely built older blocks where shops and homes intertwine. Outdoor units are mounted in tight spaces on narrow facades or small balconies, and copper runs, though relatively short, corrode quickly due to sea humidity and salt. Many buildings have not had roofs maintained for years, making access to outdoor units more difficult.
Harat Al Sham sits in Jeddah's historic downtown, an old, densely packed district of deteriorating closely built blocks around the traditional markets.
Most units here are older split systems on narrow facades, many suffering chronic leaks from salt corrosion of copper joints and sea humidity.
The AC setup in Harat Al Sham
- 1
Older split units on tight facades
Most buildings here have older split units on narrow facades, with short but rapidly corroding copper lines.
- 2
Shop and small storage refrigerators
Shops and small stores in the district use display and freezer units needing regular leak checks.
- 3
Outdoor units on cramped balconies and old roofs
Outdoor units sit on very small balconies or old roofs that may be unsafe, requiring extreme care to access.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Harat Al Sham
- 1
Tell us the exact location of the outdoor unit
Specify if it is on a balcony, roof or wall, and confirm the access is safe and the structure can bear weight.
- 2
Coordinate parking and building access with us
Harat Al Sham's streets are very tight, so let us know in advance where the nearest parking is and how to reach the building entrance.
- 3
Read the refrigerant type from the nameplate if possible
If the nameplate is visible on the unit, read the refrigerant type (R410A, R22 or other) before calling so we have the right one ready.
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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.
My AC is very old in Harat Al Sham, can you fix the leak?
Yes, even if the unit is very old. We locate the leak source, usually corroded copper or threaded joints. We repair it, then charge with fresh refrigerant.
The streets are narrow and buildings are tall, how do you get the refrigerant and equipment in?
Our team carries equipment by hand and climbs carefully to roofs or balconies. We agree on the closest parking spot before arrival.
Does sea salt and humidity in Harat Al Sham affect the refrigerant itself?
Salt and humidity do not damage the refrigerant itself, but they corrode copper joints and metal components quickly, causing leaks. Regular inspection is essential.
Can a refrigerant leak be harmful to neighbours near the unit?
Refrigerant at normal levels is safe, but continuous leaks waste it and damage the unit. We find and repair leaks to maintain performance and save energy.
