Find the leak first
Refrigerant charging in Al Atheer
In Al Atheer, south Jeddah, refrigerant charging requires careful inspection before topping up, because any leak drains the charge quickly and strains the compressor. We locate and repair the leak first, then vacuum the circuit and charge it to the nameplate type and amount.
- 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 |
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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 Atheer is a relatively modern residential district with medium-rise apartment blocks and detached villas set back with spacious car parks, making it easier for our team and diagnostic equipment to reach the outdoor units. Buildings here typically front main roads, which means leak detection with specialised instruments happens faster and more thoroughly than in the older, denser neighbourhoods.
Al Atheer is in south Jeddah, a modern residential district of apartment blocks and villas with spacious parking areas.
Most outdoor units in Al Atheer are mounted on apartment roofs or villa corners, making them easy to reach and test thoroughly for leaks.
The AC setup in Al Atheer
- 1
Split unit per flat or villa
Most Al Atheer units are independent splits, with outdoor units on roofs or corners, making leak diagnosis and repair straightforward.
- 2
Central units in some larger apartment blocks
Larger Al Atheer blocks sometimes use central systems with one compressor, and leak testing here covers the main line and all branches.
- 3
Units on roofs and external corners
Most outdoor units here are set back from the street, reducing exposure to dust and salt winds and making safe access for testing easier.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Atheer
- 1
Coordinate with building management for roof access
If the unit is on a block's roof, notify the building management two days ahead so they can ensure safe access.
- 2
Ensure clean water is available for evacuation
The evacuation process needs distilled or clean water; confirm you have it or let us know so we can bring it.
- 3
Identify the nearest safe power outlet
Evacuation and charging equipment need power, so let us know where the nearest safe outlet is near the outdoor unit.
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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 distinguish a refrigerant leak from another fault?
We use specialist leak detection equipment to pinpoint the escape, and also check the compressor's pressure and current to rule out other faults.
Can you easily access outdoor units on apartment rooftops?
Yes, most Al Atheer roofs are safe and accessible, and we coordinate with the building management in advance to ensure a clear visit.
It gets very hot in Al Atheer; does heat speed up refrigerant leaks?
Yes, high temperatures and direct sun on the outdoor unit increase refrigerant pressure and accelerate any existing leak, especially from older joints.
The outdoor unit is corner-mounted and needs strong power; does this affect the charge?
The charging itself is unaffected by power supply, but we check the electrical connection before charging to ensure the compressor runs efficiently.
