Window unit to split
Window-to-split conversion in Al Ruwais
In Al Ruwais, central Jeddah, many older villas and residential blocks still have window units blocking their windows and making noise. We remove the old unit, close the opening with blockwork, plaster, insulation and paint, then fit a new split in its own core hole to return the window and silence.
- Sealed opening
- Window restored
- Quiet split
Clients We're Proud to Serve
Organisations and companies that trusted Alrabih with their projects.
Why owners make the switch
- 1
Non-stop noise from the old unit
The window unit motor runs right inside the room, and the vibration gets worse over the years. Many owners say sleeping next to it has become impossible, and switching to a split removes the source entirely.
- 2
The wall opening lets in heat and dust
The foam and tape sealing the gap around a window unit frame degrade in Jeddah's salty, humid air. The large opening becomes a clear source of heat loss, dust in the windy season and sometimes rain in winter.
- 3
The blocked window darkens the room
A window unit fills the whole window or most of it, so the room loses its natural light and ventilation at times when you do not need cooling. Getting the window back fully changes the room noticeably.
Who it's for
Own a villa and want the windows back
We remove the window units from your villa rooms, close each opening with block, insulation and plaster, then fit a split in each room through its own core hole.
Ask on WhatsAppManaging a rental flat and want to raise its value
We convert the flat's window unit to a quiet split and restore the wall and window to their original condition, improving the unit for the next tenant.
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What the conversion covers
- Remove old unit and frame
- Block plaster and insulation
- Paint inside and outside
- New core hole for split
- Insulated copper and drain
How we work
How we work
- 1
Survey the wall and opening
We check the wall thickness and the build around the old opening, agree where the new core hole for the split goes away from the old frame, and decide where the outdoor unit will sit.
- 2
Remove and close
We remove the window unit and its frame without breaking the surrounding wall, then close the opening with blockwork or lightweight concrete to match the original construction, with thermal insulation set inside the layers before plastering.
- 3
Plaster and paint both sides
We plaster and paint the closed opening on both the inside and outside faces to match the existing wall, leaving no trace of the old opening that could let in air or moisture.
- 4
Fit the new split
We core the agreed spot for the split, run insulated Mueller copper and a drain line with the correct fall, vacuum the line before start-up and test everything with you present.
A proper seal or a quick patch?
| Alrabih | The usual way | |
|---|---|---|
| Closing the opening | Block, plaster and insulation | Foam or a timber board |
| Outside face | Plastered and painted flush | Visible mark or cracks |
| Thermal insulation | Inside wall before plastering | None |
| New split core hole | Chosen away from old frame | Wherever drilling is easiest |
| Outside paint | Matched to existing wall colour | Different colour or unpainted |
Everything your AC needs, from one team
From system design and duct fabrication to installation, commissioning and maintenance.
Split AC installation
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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.
Worked with us? Leave a reviewService areas
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 Ruwais is a mid-age district mixing detached villas with mid-rise apartment buildings, many built before split units became standard, so window ACs remain common. Removing the window and sealing the opening neatly requires close coordination between the driller, plumber, electrician and painter to prevent water seeping from the outer wall, especially with Jeddah's seasonal winds. The central location and relatively open streets make it easy for the team to reach the villas and blocks.
Al Ruwais sits in central Jeddah, a residential district of villas and mid-rise buildings built before central and split AC became the norm.
Most villas and blocks in Al Ruwais have windows on main facades, and the openings left by window units need precise sealing to prevent water and air leakage.
The AC setup in Al Ruwais
- 1
Moving from window unit to independent split
We fully remove the window unit and fit an independent split indoor and outdoor unit, with new copper runs from outside to a safe location away from windows.
- 2
Blockwork and insulation closure
We close the opening with red brick, plaster and flexible insulation to create a tight seal that stops water and air ingress from outside.
- 3
Window fan alternative if preferred
If you prefer an alternative, we can fit a standard window fan instead of the AC unit, while keeping the option to convert to a split later.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Ruwais
- 1
Confirm access to where the outdoor unit will go
Choose where the new outdoor unit will sit beforehand, whether on the outer wall, roof or balcony, and ensure there are no obstacles.
- 2
Inform neighbours or building management of drilling
If you're in an apartment block, tell neighbours and management about the visit and drilling time, especially if there's shared access or a shared wall.
- 3
Clear access to the old window unit
Remove any furniture or obstacles blocking the team's access to the window unit from inside and out, and leave enough space for safe work.
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FAQ
Questions about Window-to-split conversion
Do you restore the original window after closing the AC opening?
It depends on what the original opening was. In some rooms the opening was cut into a solid wall with no window frame, so it is fully closed. If the original build can take a window, we discuss that at the survey and tell you what is actually possible in your wall.
Can the old window unit hole be reused as the new split core hole?
The old opening is usually much larger than the small core a split needs, and its position may not suit the copper and drain route. It is safer to close it fully and drill a new hole in the right place, so no hidden gaps remain to let air through or collect moisture.
How do you stop humid salty air coming through the closed opening?
We place thermal insulation inside the wall layers before plastering, and use sealing materials that form a continuous barrier from inside to outside. Jeddah's combination of humidity and salt accelerates the breakdown of any temporary patch, so we treat the closed opening as a new wall section, not a surface repair.
Do I need permission from the building management before closing the opening?
In a rented flat it is wise to check with the owner or management office first, because the work changes the building's outside face. In a villa you own the decision is yours. We explain the full scope at the survey so you can get any approval needed before the work day.
Does the job change if the wall is concrete rather than block?
Yes. A concrete wall needs a different filling method and may require a repair mix rather than standard block. We identify the wall type at the survey and choose the material that bonds solidly with the existing concrete, leaving no hidden gaps for moisture to enter later.
My villa was built in 1990, can we seal the window opening safely?
Yes, we seal it with blockwork, plaster, insulation and paint, and check the opening first to ensure no water leaks from the facade. The seal depends on the brick and plaster type and the wall condition inside and out, so we inspect the site before starting.
My flat faces the main street, will the drilling disturb neighbours?
Drilling takes only a few minutes. We arrange the time with neighbouring residents beforehand and finish during normal daylight hours.
Al Ruwais gets windy, will sealing the opening protect from cold draughts in winter?
Tight sealing with insulation significantly reduces air leakage. However, seal quality depends on materials and workmanship, and a site visit confirms what we can achieve.
How long does sealing the opening and installing the new split take?
Time depends on the opening size, wall type and any additional work like electrical rewiring or water drainage. We give you a clear timeframe after the site visit.
