Charged right, not just topped up
Split AC refrigerant charging in Southern Housing
In Southern Housing, residential flats need regular refrigerant charging when cooling stops. Alrabih's team searches for leaks in lines and joints first, fixes them, fully evacuates the system and charges to the correct type and amount.
- Leak found first
- Vacuum and test
- Correct charge
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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.
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What our customers say
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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
Southern Housing is a uniform residential zone of similar-sized apartment blocks with regular planning. Most flats have separate split units mounted on facades or balconies. Copper lines run from flats to outdoor units on roofs or side facades. Leaks can occur at joints from minor building vibration or thermal expansion. Charging without leak inspection and fixing means the problem returns within weeks.
Southern Housing sits in south Jeddah, a uniform residential zone of similar apartment blocks following regular urban planning.
Most units here are independent splits with standard copper lines, and joints are the primary leak source.
The AC setup in Southern Housing
- 1
Independent split in each flat
Southern Housing flats each have their own split unit on the balcony or side facade with lines running to the roof.
- 2
Copper lines from flat to roof
Lines run up the external walls of the building from the flat to rooftop units, exposing them to heat and humidity.
- 3
Outdoor units clustered on roofs
Roofs host multiple outdoor units from several flats, making inspection and maintenance straightforward and efficient.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Southern Housing
- 1
Switch off the AC completely
Turn off the AC at least an hour before the visit and confirm the power is cut.
- 2
Tell us the line location
If lines run through shared walls or hidden ducts in the building, tell us so we can inspect fully.
- 3
Provide access to the roof
Ensure the team can reach the roof safely to inspect the outdoor unit and the full line run.
More districts for Split AC refrigerant charging
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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.
The flats here are similar, do they all have the same refrigerant problems?
No, but the line and joint types are nearly identical. Leaks occur at different weak points depending on use and prior maintenance.
The outdoor units sit directly on building roofs, does that increase leaks?
Yes, direct heat on the roof stresses the system. We inspect the full run from the flat to the roof for leaks.
The flats are compact and outdoor units are far, do long lines cause issues?
Long runs from the flat to the roof increase pressure points and leak potential. We inspect the full length and every intermediate joint carefully.
After charging, how often should refrigerant be rechecked?
If we fix the leak correctly, the system should run safely for a long time. However, annual or biennial checks help catch any new leaks early.
