Charged right, not just topped up
Split AC refrigerant charging in Al Shifa
In Al Shifa, south Jeddah, households face AC units that do not cool at full strength. Alrabih finds the refrigerant leak, fixes it, then vacuums the system and fills it with the correct refrigerant type and nameplate 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 |
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”
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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 Shifa is a relatively modern residential district with detached villas and houses and some apartment blocks, with reasonable outdoor space for units. However, the intense summer heat and constant metal expansion and contraction weaken pipes and joints, especially if the outdoor unit sits in direct sunlight all day. As refrigerant leaks, the unit takes longer to reach the desired temperature, and distant rooms may not cool properly. Topping up without fixing the leak means the problem returns quickly.
Al Shifa is in south Jeddah, a district of modern villas with reasonable space and direct exposure to intense summer heat.
Most units here are separate splits per room or zone, with outdoor units exposed to direct sunlight year-round.
The AC setup in Al Shifa
- 1
Separate split unit per main room
Spacious homes here usually have one unit for the bedroom, another for the sitting room, perhaps a third for kitchen or study.
- 2
Outdoor units exposed to direct sunlight
Most outdoor units are mounted on walls or roofs with little shade, making the pipes highly susceptible to heat damage.
- 3
Long distances from outdoor to indoor units
Longer pipes mean more leak points and greater challenges in pinpointing the exact leak location.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Shifa
- 1
Ensure the circuit breaker works
Before the visit, test the unit's circuit breaker by switching the AC off and confirming it stops.
- 2
Clear the path to the outdoor unit
Make sure the wall or roof where the outdoor unit sits can be safely accessed without obstacles.
- 3
Tell us about any unusual noise or moisture
If you notice the outdoor unit dripping moisture or making strange noises, tell us before the visit as these may indicate a leak or other issue.
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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 unit cools but very slowly, is this a leak?
Usually yes. Refrigerant leaks lower the pressure in the system, so the unit runs inefficiently and cannot extract heat fast enough. We inspect the entire line to find the leak location.
The outdoor unit is in sun all day, does this cause faster leaking?
Yes, absolutely. Intense heat raises pressure inside the pipes and connections, which speeds up leaking. Adding shade or a reflective cover may slow it but will not stop it.
Does the refrigerant type differ from unit to unit?
Yes, older units may use R22 while newer units usually use R410a or other types. That is why we read the nameplate on the outdoor unit to confirm the exact type and amount before charging.
After fixing the leak, does the refrigerant stay in the unit for years?
If we fully repair the leak, the refrigerant stays in the unit for many years without loss. But if we miss the leak or do not fully repair it, the charge will drop again quickly.
