Find the leak first
Refrigerant charging in Al Zahra
In Al Zahra, west coastal Jeddah, older residential and commercial buildings house AC units with copper tubing exposed to humidity and sea salt corrosion. Refrigerant charging here requires careful inspection for corrosion-caused leaks, then repair and proper filling.
- 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.
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What our customers say
- Muhammadramzan 2641
“MashaaAllah. Services are so good. Behaviour and kindness 100/100. Prices are less then Market. Fully recommended”
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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 Zahra is an older coastal area with mixed older to medium-age residential and commercial blocks, where high humidity and sea salt corrode building metal and piping. Copper refrigerant lines here are exposed to salt and moisture corrosion faster than inland, causing small holes and slow leaks that may not show immediately. When charging, the pipes must be carefully inspected for corrosion marks and weak spots.
Al Zahra sits in west coastal Jeddah, an older district of residential and commercial buildings close to the sea.
Most Al Zahra units are relatively old split systems with copper tubing partially exposed to coastal humidity and salt.
The AC setup in Al Zahra
- 1
Split units with partially exposed piping
Most units in Al Zahra have copper lines not fully protected, exposing them directly to salt and moisture corrosion.
- 2
Piping in tight passages
Some older buildings have pipes running through tight gaps or passages, making inspection and repair harder.
- 3
Outdoor units on open seafacing balconies
Outdoor units in Al Zahra are often on seafacing balconies, exposed directly to salty air and wind.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Al Zahra
- 1
Tell us the condition of the outdoor piping
Describing the copper tubing's condition, whether it shows green corrosion or visible weakness, helps the team prepare properly.
- 2
Ensure safe outdoor unit access
Units on seafacing balconies may be near drops, so ensure there is secure railing and lighting before the team visits.
- 3
Prepare temporary storage space
If we need to disconnect piping sections for detailed inspection, we will need a dry safe storage spot for the parts temporarily.
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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.
My AC pipes have turned green from salt, does that cause leaks?
Yes, that green colour is corrosion of the copper from salt and moisture, which can cause small holes and leaks. We inspect the pipes carefully and repair any corrosion before charging.
Does coastal humidity affect how long the refrigerant lasts?
Humidity itself does not consume refrigerant, but it accelerates copper pipe corrosion, so leaks from salt and moisture happen faster in coastal areas.
Should I cover or paint the outdoor piping?
Yes, covering or coating the pipes with protective paint slows copper corrosion from salt and moisture. Ask us about the right options when we charge.
After charging in Al Zahra, how often should I have check-ups?
We recommend checks every six months at minimum because of the salt and humidity, to catch any new leaks early before refrigerant loss.
