Charged right, not just topped up
Split AC refrigerant charging in Al Kandarah
In Al Kandarah, central Jeddah, weak cooling and warm air from the split are often tied to refrigerant loss through a leak. Recharging without first fixing the leak means the problem returns within weeks.
- 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”
- Tawfik AlyawerLocal Guide
“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
Al Kandarah is a relatively modern district with multi-storey apartment blocks and some close-set villas, plus ground-floor shops. Most units here were installed in recent years but with variable quality, and not all to professional standards. Copper lines may not be fully insulated or have weak joints, leading to slow leaks that go unnoticed until cooling fails completely.
Al Kandarah sits in central Jeddah, a district of mixed modern residential buildings with commercial shops.
Most split units here use R410A and are relatively new, but often installed without professional line evacuation.
The AC setup in Al Kandarah
- 1
Vertical split in apartment blocks
Most flats in Al Kandarah blocks have one vertical split in the reception, with a medium-length run to the roof.
- 2
Horizontal splits in small villas
Small close-set villas here usually have one or two horizontal splits, with relatively short runs.
- 3
Outdoor units on open roofs and balconies
Outdoor units are usually on open roofs or unshaded balconies, which may speed up leaks.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Kandarah
- 1
Choose a good time for the leak search
Leak detection takes time and we may need to run the unit several times. Plan a visit time when the building or villa does not need cooling.
- 2
Tell us if there's a history of previous maintenance or charges
If you know the unit was recently charged or had previous repair attempts, tell us. This helps us locate the leak more efficiently.
- 3
Ensure both indoor and outdoor units are easily accessible
Both units must be clearly visible and accessible for inspection without obstruction. Check there is no furniture or objects covering them.
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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 was installed two years ago, why does it lose refrigerant so fast?
The unit may not have been properly evacuated at first install, or there may be a loose joint. We inspect the whole system to locate the leak before recharging.
Must all copper lines be insulated or can some run uninsulated?
All lines should be insulated to protect the refrigerant and joints from heat and humidity, and to keep the system efficient. Uninsulated lines lose performance and rust faster.
How long does evacuating and recharging take in Al Kandarah?
Time depends on the line length, unit size and leak location. We search for the leak first, which may take hours, then evacuate and recharge as needed.
After recharging, how do I know the problem is truly fixed?
We test the unit right after recharging and run it for a period to ensure cooling is stable. If the leak was fixed properly, you will not see rapid performance loss again.
