Charged right, not just topped up
Split AC refrigerant charging in Al Balad
In Al Balad, old downtown Jeddah, split units lose refrigerant from constant use and exposed pipework in narrow passages. Alrabih locates and repairs the leak, evacuates the lines, and charges the unit to the correct type and amount.
- 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 |
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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”
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“U can find all u need for air conditioning”
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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
The closely built residential and commercial blocks in Al Balad run their splits hard year-round, with copper runs stretched tightly between indoor and outdoor units on narrow walls and balconies, raising the risk of pinhole leaks. Slow leaks may not show at first but cause gradual cooling loss, and if you top up with fresh refrigerant without fixing the leak, the problem returns quickly.
Al Balad in historic Jeddah is an older residential and commercial quarter with exposed pipework on facades and rooftops.
Most split units here run with copper lines stretched 3 to 5 metres between the room and the roof or balcony.
The AC setup in Al Balad
- 1
Split unit with exposed pipes on the facade
Most units in old Al Balad have copper runs stretched on exterior walls or narrow balconies with little or no insulation.
- 2
Units with lines routed to the roof
Some older buildings mount the outdoor unit on the roof, with lines running from the flat or shop up the entire wall.
- 3
Split with outdoor unit on a cramped balcony
Outdoor units mounted on small balconies with pipes bent at sharp angles, raising pressure stress and leak risk.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Balad
- 1
Tell us where you suspect the leak
If you have seen drips on the wall or moisture around the pipes, tell us the location before we visit to speed up diagnosis.
- 2
Ensure the outdoor unit is accessible
If the outdoor unit is on the roof or a high balcony, check that the door or stairs are clear and safe for the team to reach it.
- 3
Prepare safe power access for disconnection
The team will disconnect power before working on the lines, so make sure the breaker board or switch is easy to reach.
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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.
My split cools only at night, what is wrong?
Slow refrigerant leak, especially if the pipework is exposed on the walls. We find and repair the leak first before refilling, otherwise the problem returns within weeks.
Do copper lines on old building walls leak easily?
Old buildings in Al Balad shift slightly at the foundation and heat puts stress on the metal, causing fine cracks in the copper and slow leaks. Annual inspection is needed.
The sun hits the pipes all day, does that speed up leaks?
Yes, direct heat on copper raises internal pressure and stresses the metal, especially in Al Balad where summer temperatures are high. Insulation and sun protection reduce leaks.
After charging, how long does the refrigerant last without leaking?
If we repair the leak properly, evacuate the lines and charge to the exact amount, the refrigerant holds for years. But if even a small leak remains, cooling drops within weeks.
