Find the leak first
Refrigerant charging in Umm Al Salam
In Umm Al Salam, east Jeddah, refrigerant charging requires careful leak detection because even small escapes through the copper or fittings drain the charge quickly in the heat. Alrabih's team finds the leak source first, then vacuums the circuit and recharges to the unit's nameplate specification.
- Leak located
- Vacuum and test
- Accurate charge
Clients We're Proud to Serve
Organisations and companies that trusted Alrabih with their projects.
Signs the charge is low
- 1
Weak cooling and a compressor that runs on
The unit runs for hours without bringing the temperature down, or cools very slowly. This is usually the first sign the charge is low and the circuit can no longer move heat efficiently.
- 2
Frost on the pipes or evaporator coil
Ice on the thin pipe or on the evaporator coil points to low refrigerant pressure. Continued running can damage the coil. Where the frost forms helps the technician narrow down the problem area.
- 3
A refrigerator or cold room that will not hold temperature
In commercial or industrial refrigeration equipment, a rising cabinet temperature means stock at risk. Low refrigerant is one possible cause, and confirming it needs pressure readings and a circuit check on site.
Who it's for
Your window or portable unit cools slowly
We check circuit pressure, locate and repair the leak, then vacuum and charge to the type shown on your unit's nameplate.
Ask on WhatsAppYour cold room or commercial fridge will not hold temperature
We measure pressure, identify why the cabinet temperature is rising, repair any leak found, then charge to the correct refrigerant type for that unit.
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What the work covers
- Pressure check and leak location
- Leak repair before charging
- Vacuum and tightness test
- Charge to nameplate refrigerant
- Run test and performance check
How we work
How we work
- 1
Inspect and locate leak
The technician measures circuit pressure and checks joints and components that corrode in Jeddah's humid, salty air, pinpointing the leak before any other step.
- 2
Repair the leak
The technician repairs the leak point, whether a loose joint, a cracked pipe or corrosion in part of the circuit. The unit is not charged until the repair is confirmed tight.
- 3
Vacuum and pressure test
The circuit is evacuated with a vacuum pump to remove air and moisture, then the reading is watched to confirm pressure holds before refrigerant is introduced.
- 4
Charge and run
The unit is charged to the nameplate type and amount, then run and checked for proper performance on site before handover.
Fix the leak or just top it up?
| Alrabih | The usual way | |
|---|---|---|
| The leak | Found and fixed first | Often ignored |
| Vacuum | Before every charge | Sometimes skipped |
| Refrigerant type | As the nameplate states | May be mixed or swapped |
| Compressor | Protected by correct charge | Worn by wrong charge |
| Refrigeration equipment | AC, fridges and cold rooms | Usually AC only |
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”
Your satisfaction matters to us! If you had a great experience with us, we'd love a 5-star rating and a kind review.
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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
Umm Al Salam is a relatively modern residential district of villas and apartment complexes with spacious outdoor areas that allow copper piping runs to be laid safely away from direct sun and moisture exposure. Yet the longer runs, intense heat and coastal humidity raise the odds of small leaks at brazed joints or bent points in the pipes, making thorough inspection essential before any charging.
Umm Al Salam lies in east Jeddah, a modern residential zone of villas and apartment blocks set further apart with spacious outdoor areas.
Most AC units here are splits with longer copper runs from outdoor to indoor units across exposed external walls that face heat and moisture.
The AC setup in Umm Al Salam
- 1
Split unit with extended copper run
Villas and blocks in Umm Al Salam often need long copper pipe runs between outdoor and indoor units through exterior walls.
- 2
Outdoor units in open areas
Garden and facade spaces are wide, allowing outdoor units to sit away from doors, but the piping is exposed to direct sun and moisture.
- 3
Piping exposed to weather conditions
Pipes often cannot be fully covered or well-insulated due to long spans and engineering constraints, so corrosion and leaks progress faster.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Umm Al Salam
- 1
Ensure access to the outdoor unit
Tell us if the outdoor unit is in a garden, on a roof, or in a courtyard, and how it can be reached safely before we visit.
- 2
Prepare access points to the pipes
If the pipes are partially hidden behind panels or in wall gaps, identify where we can reach them easily for inspection.
- 3
Identify a safe parking point for the team
Let us know where the team can park near your villa or building without blocking entrances or disturbing neighbours.
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FAQ
Questions about Refrigerant charging
Can you just add refrigerant without looking for the leak?
A sealed refrigerant circuit does not consume refrigerant. A low charge means there is a leak somewhere. Adding refrigerant without finding and repairing that leak brings the same fault back quickly and can damage the compressor. The correct sequence is always to locate the leak, repair it, pull a vacuum on the circuit, and then charge to the type and quantity shown on the unit's nameplate.
Where does refrigerant leak in commercial refrigeration equipment?
The most common points are expansion fittings and restrictions on the liquid line, flare joints at the evaporator and condenser, and service valves where the rubber seals have aged. In commercial refrigeration, old copper pipe welds weakened by continuous compressor vibration are also a frequent source. The exact location is found during the site inspection.
Does the refrigerant type affect how the unit performs?
Yes. Every unit is designed for a specific refrigerant type with defined operating pressures and heat transfer properties. Using a different type changes those pressures and can either overload the compressor or reduce cooling output. For this reason the unit is always charged with the exact type shown on its nameplate and no substitute is used.
Is the charging work different for a home AC unit and a commercial refrigerator?
Yes, they differ in several ways. Commercial refrigeration units operate at pressures and with refrigerant types distinct from those in air conditioners, and their target temperatures are much lower. The pipe circuits are also longer and often include multiple distributors and valves that require careful inspection before vacuuming and charging. The nature of each circuit determines the procedure.
Is the charging work different for a home AC unit and a commercial refrigerator?
The core steps are the same: locate the leak, repair it, vacuum the circuit, then charge to the nameplate type. Commercial refrigeration units sometimes have additional valves and components that require a different inspection approach. What each unit needs is determined by the technician on site after pressure readings and a circuit check.
How do you check for a leak before charging the refrigerant?
We use electronic leak detectors and pressure tests on the circuit to pinpoint any escape, then repair it before charging.
My copper piping is very long, does that increase the leak risk?
Yes, longer runs mean more brazed joints, and each joint is a potential leak point, so thorough inspection is essential in your setup.
Heat and humidity here are high, do they affect the charge stability?
Yes, intense heat and coastal moisture raise pressure inside the circuit and can speed up leaks at weak joints.
After charging, how often should I check the refrigerant level?
If there was an underlying leak, you may notice cooling drop within weeks, at which point contact us straight away for re-inspection and repair.
