Find the leak first
Refrigerant charging in Radwa
In Radwa, north-east Jeddah, the newer villas and apartment blocks need refrigerant charge checks when cooling performance drops. Alrabih locates any leak first, repairs it, then vacuums and charges the circuit with the correct refrigerant type and amount per the unit's nameplate.
- 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
Radwa is a newer residential district dominated by modern villas and apartment blocks with spacious outdoor areas. The outdoor units here sit exposed on roofs or in gardens, facing intense heat and direct sun, which raises the risk of leaks in the copper pipes under high pressure. Regular charge checks keep the compressor running efficiently and prevent costly breakdowns in this hot climate.
Radwa lies in north-east Jeddah and is a newer district of modern villas and apartment blocks with spacious, open outdoor areas.
Most outdoor units in Radwa are mounted on roofs or in gardens under direct sunlight all day.
The AC setup in Radwa
- 1
Calibrated refrigerant circuit per split unit
Each split system in villas and apartment blocks has its own circuit, with the charge determined by the refrigerant type and the compressor nameplate specifications.
- 2
Outdoor units exposed to intense heat
Outdoor units in Radwa face very high temperatures from direct sun, raising circuit pressure and increasing leak risk.
- 3
Long copper runs between indoor and outdoor units
Modern villas and blocks require longer copper runs from roofs or gardens to indoor units, and each extra metre adds potential leak points.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Radwa
- 1
Pinpoint the outdoor unit location
Tell us whether the unit is on the roof, in the garden, or on an external wall so we can bring the right equipment for testing and repair.
- 2
Ensure roof or garden access is safe
If the unit is on the roof, ensure the ladder is safe and the roof is stable. If it is in the garden, clear any obstacles around the unit.
- 3
Switch off power before testing
Switch off power to the outdoor unit before the team arrives for safety, and tell them where the main breaker is located.
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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 unit still cools but not as strongly as before, is that low refrigerant?
A drop in cooling power may signal low charge, but the circuit must be checked first. We locate any leak, repair it if found, then recharge to prevent the refrigerant being wasted again.
The outdoor unit sits on my roof in full sun all day, does that cause leaks?
Yes, intense heat and direct sunlight stress the copper pipes and increase leak risk. Regular charge checks help detect leaks early.
How often should I check my unit's charge in Radwa?
It depends on usage and any slow leaks, but in this hot climate with exposed units, an annual check or whenever performance drops is advisable.
Do you vacuum the circuit before recharging?
Yes, we use a vacuum pump to remove air and moisture from the circuit before filling with fresh refrigerant, which is essential for proper performance.
