Find the leak first
Refrigerant charging in Al Qaws
In Al Qaws, East Jeddah, many air conditioning units suffer low refrigerant charge due to small leaks in the copper lines or joints. Alrabih's team finds the leak first, repairs it, then vacuums the circuit and charges it to the unit's specified 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”
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
Al Qaws features a mix of mid-rise residential blocks, modern villas and scattered shops on wider streets than the older districts, making it easier for the service team and equipment to reach the site. The hot climate and high humidity in East Jeddah speed up corrosion of the copper lines, especially if outdoor units sit in direct sunlight all day. This environment calls for regular leak checks and periodic refrigerant recharging to keep the cooling running efficiently.
Al Qaws lies in East Jeddah, mixing relatively modern residential buildings with detached villas and scattered commercial activity spread horizontally.
Most outdoor units in Al Qaws are mounted on villa roofs or exposed building walls, exposing the copper lines to constant thermal expansion and contraction.
The AC setup in Al Qaws
- 1
Split units mounted on roofs and walls
Modern villas and blocks in Al Qaws use split units, with outdoor units typically mounted on exposed roofs where they face intense heat and humidity.
- 2
Central AC in some residential complexes
Some newer complexes and apartment blocks may use central cooling systems with longer copper runs, increasing leak risk at multiple joints.
- 3
Outdoor units exposed to direct sunlight
Most outdoor units in Al Qaws lack shade, accelerating metal and pipe corrosion and increasing leak likelihood.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Qaws
- 1
Confirm the outdoor unit location
Let us know exactly where the outdoor unit sits (roof or wall) and its height, so we can bring the right equipment and access gear.
- 2
Ensure access to the copper lines
Make sure the path of the copper lines from the outdoor unit to the indoor one is clear and unobstructed, so we can inspect them for leaks.
- 3
Prepare a power source near the unit
We may need to run the vacuum pump and electric tools, so ensure a safe outlet is available near the outdoor unit location.
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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 find leaks in hidden copper lines?
We use a sensitive electronic refrigerant detector to find even small leaks in hidden lines within walls or under insulation, then determine the type of repair needed.
The sun hits my outdoor unit all day, does that cause faster leaks?
Yes, continuous thermal expansion and contraction from intense heat weakens the copper joints and increases leak risk; we recommend at least an annual check in such cases.
After charging, how long does the refrigerant stay in the unit?
If there is no new leak, the charge remains for years; but if a small leak exists, you'll notice declining performance within weeks or months, so the leak must be fixed before recharging.
Do you clean the lines before charging?
Yes, we fully vacuum the circuit with a specialised pump to remove moisture and contaminants, then charge to the exact type and amount marked on the unit's nameplate.
