Window unit to split
Window-to-split conversion in Al Tha'alibah
In Al Tha'alibah, south Jeddah, residential villas and mid-rise blocks need their old window units replaced with modern split systems. We seal the opening with blockwork, insulation and paint, then install the new split through a separate external core hole.
- 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 Tha'alibah is a medium-density residential area with villas and blocks of varying heights, good streets and at a reasonable distance from the coast. Buildings here are older than Al Thaghr but newer than downtown, so many have their main entrance from the front street and the yard at the back, affecting where the external wall and outdoor unit sit. Summer heat is moderate because the area is slightly further from the coast, but dust remains a concern, so good insulation of the sealed opening is essential.
Al Tha'alibah lies in south Jeddah at a moderate distance from the coast, an area of villas and residential blocks at medium density with regular streets.
Buildings here vary in size and age, but most external walls are thick enough for a safe new split hole.
The AC setup in Al Tha'alibah
- 1
Split unit through external hole on front wall or roof
The new core hole goes on the front wall near the old window, or pipes extend to an outdoor unit on the back roof depending on yard layout.
- 2
Secure seal of the opening with thick insulation
The window opening is sealed with thick insulation to stop dust and outside air entering, then painted carefully to match the wall.
- 3
Protected pipe run to the outdoor unit
If the outdoor unit is on the roof, pipes run along an external wall or ceiling protected by metal or plastic ducts.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Tha'alibah
- 1
Tell us about the yard layout and external walls
Explain where the front and back walls are and where the yard sits, so we choose the best location for the outdoor unit and pipes.
- 2
Check roof access if the outdoor unit goes there
If you choose to place the outdoor unit on the roof, ensure the roof is safe and allows the team to work securely.
- 3
Decide your preference for the pipes and unit appearance
Choose whether pipes are hidden in ducts or left visible and painted, and whether the outdoor unit goes on the front wall or the roof.
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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.
The yard is at the back and the street is at the front, where should the outdoor unit go?
If the window is on the front, the outdoor unit can go on the front wall or on the roof at the back with longer pipes. We choose the best option based on available space and your preference.
Will installing the split take a long time because of the older construction?
The construction is not very old here, so a new safe hole is relatively straightforward. Most time goes to properly sealing the opening and painting, not the hole itself.
Dust levels are high in the area, is good insulation enough or do we need regular maintenance?
Good insulation greatly reduces dust entry compared to the old window unit, but the outdoor unit and split filters need regular cleaning as with any installation.
Pipes will run from the front to the back or along the roof, is there any risk of leaks?
No risk of leaks if we use sound copper pipes and seal all joints properly. Long pipe runs need strong supports and protection from direct sun.
