Charged right, not just topped up
Split AC refrigerant charging in Al Ajwad
In Al Ajwad, east Jeddah, split AC refrigerant charging requires leak detection first. A unit with weak cooling or warm output has lost gas through a small hole in the copper, and topping up without fixing brings the problem straight back.
- Leak found first
- Vacuum and test
- Correct charge
Clients We're Proud to Serve
Organisations and companies that trusted Alrabih with their projects.
When your split needs a refrigerant charge
- 1
Weak cooling with a clean filter
If the filter is clean and the compressor is running but the air from the indoor unit is barely cool, the cause is usually low refrigerant from a leak at the flare joints or the outdoor service valves.
- 2
Frost on the pipes or unusual water drips
Frost on the large pipe at the indoor unit, or water dripping from the unit in an unusual way, means refrigerant pressure has dropped below the range set by the manufacturer. The inspection finds the leak before any charging begins.
- 3
A split that was moved and refitted
When a split is removed for painting, renovation or a room move, the flare joints are disconnected and remade. These joints are the most likely source of a leak after refitting, and the system needs a careful check, a vacuum and a fresh charge.
Who it's for
Your bedroom split cools only at night
We find and fix the leak at the flare joints, then vacuum and charge to the nameplate refrigerant type.
Ask on WhatsAppYour split was removed for renovation and refitted
We inspect every remade flare joint, vacuum the full line, then charge and confirm cooling has returned.
Ask on WhatsApp
What the job covers
- Check flare joints and valves
- Repair or remake flare
- Vacuum line and pressure test
- Charge to nameplate refrigerant type
- Run unit confirm cooling
How we work
How we work
- 1
Describe the fault
Tell us on WhatsApp what is happening and send a photo of the outdoor unit nameplate so we know the refrigerant type before we arrive.
- 2
Inspect and find the leak
The technician checks the flare joints at the indoor unit and the service valves at the outdoor unit and locates the leak before taking any further step.
- 3
Repair and vacuum
We tighten or remake the flare joint as its condition requires, then vacuum the line and watch the pressure hold to confirm the line is tight.
- 4
Charge and run
We charge with the nameplate type at the amount the inspection determines, then run the unit and confirm that cooling has returned to the normal level.
Fix the leak first or just top it up?
| Alrabih | The usual way | |
|---|---|---|
| The leak | Found and fixed first | Ignored, charged over it |
| Flare joint | Checked, remade if needed | Not checked |
| Vacuum | Before every charge | Often skipped |
| Refrigerant type | Nameplate only | Whatever is available |
| Line moisture | Removed by vacuum | Left inside the line |
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 Ajwad is a mixed residential district with villas and flats of various sizes and ages, reasonably spaced but some in less open areas. East-facing exposure means longer midday sun and higher ambient temperature, putting more strain on external units. High heat and direct sun may speed up joint leaks, especially in older units or those not installed professionally. Regular checks and precise charging are essential.
Al Ajwad lies in east Jeddah, a mixed residential district with villas and flats at reasonable spacing, with variable sun exposure.
Al Ajwad units are mixed old and new, and the external units endure longer sun exposure, increasing the risk of slow leaks at joints.
The AC setup in Al Ajwad
- 1
Single split in villas and smaller flats
Most villas and flats in Al Ajwad have a single split needing precise refrigerant charge per space and capacity.
- 2
External units exposed to direct sun
External units in Al Ajwad often face direct sun for long periods, increasing thermal stress on the equipment.
- 3
Dual systems rare in very large villas
Very few large villas have dual splits, each needing its own separate charge.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Ajwad
- 1
Ensure safe access to the external unit
The unit may be in direct sun, so ensure the team can reach it safely without excessive heat or obstacles.
- 2
Have the nameplate or its photo ready
Model, refrigerant and capacity are on the external unit's nameplate; send us a clear photo via WhatsApp before the visit.
- 3
Prepare for temporary power disconnection
We may need to cut power during detection and charging, so confirm safe access to the unit's circuit breaker.
More districts for Split AC refrigerant charging
Other services in Al Ajwad
FAQ
Questions about Split AC refrigerant charging
Does the split have to come off the wall to be recharged?
Usually not. Charging is done at the service valve on the outdoor unit, and if the leak is at the flare joints behind the indoor unit we reach them by lifting the lower cover or tilting the unit on its bracket. It only comes down when the joint is inside the wall.
Where do leaks usually occur in a wall split?
The most common points in a wall split are the flare joints at the indoor unit, which loosen over time from vibration, and the service valves at the outdoor unit. In Jeddah's humid and salty air, oxidation at copper connections can develop faster, which raises the chance of a leak.
Does the charging process differ when a split has been moved?
When a split is moved, the flare joints are disconnected and remade, and this is when air and moisture enter the line. A full vacuum before charging becomes especially important, and the technician checks every remade flare joint before the line is closed.
Why does my split cool only at night?
This is a common sign of low refrigerant. At night, lower outdoor air temperature lets the compressor partly compensate for the shortage. During Jeddah's daytime heat, the reduced charge is not enough and cooling weakens or stops. The inspection confirms whether this is the cause or whether another factor such as the compressor or capacitor is involved.
Does the length of the copper pipe run affect how much refrigerant is needed?
Yes, a longer copper pipe run between the two units requires more refrigerant. The site inspection measures the actual run length, and the technician sets the charge amount based on the nameplate figure and the installed pipe length.
Does sun exposure on the external unit increase leaks?
Direct sun raises the compressor and joint temperature but does not cause leaks outright. Repeated heat may speed corrosion of joints over time. Partial shading reduces strain and slows leak progression.
Does an older unit in Al Ajwad need refrigerant or replacement?
An older unit cooling weakly may need charging and a leak fixed, or may be near end-of-life if leaks recur. We diagnose and advise on the best option.
Does Al Ajwad's heat affect which refrigerant type is suitable?
Refrigerant type is set by the unit's original design, not ambient heat. But in hot climates, R410A works more efficiently than older R22. Check the nameplate for the original type.
Is leak detection easier or harder in a sun-exposed unit?
A sun-exposed unit is slightly harder to work on due to heat, but leak detection remains accurate with tracer equipment. We prefer early morning to reduce heat stress.
