Charged right, not just topped up
Split AC refrigerant charging in Harat Al Yemen
In Harat Al Yemen, heart of old Jeddah, shops, flats and offices run older split units with narrow copper runs threaded between tightly adjoining walls. When cooling weakens or warm air blows, there is usually a refrigerant leak needing line repair, complete vacuum, and precise charging.
- Leak found first
- Vacuum and test
- Correct charge
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Organisations and companies that trusted Alrabih with their projects.
When your split needs a refrigerant charge
- 1
Weak cooling with a clean filter
If the filter is clean and the compressor is running but the air from the indoor unit is barely cool, the cause is usually low refrigerant from a leak at the flare joints or the outdoor service valves.
- 2
Frost on the pipes or unusual water drips
Frost on the large pipe at the indoor unit, or water dripping from the unit in an unusual way, means refrigerant pressure has dropped below the range set by the manufacturer. The inspection finds the leak before any charging begins.
- 3
A split that was moved and refitted
When a split is removed for painting, renovation or a room move, the flare joints are disconnected and remade. These joints are the most likely source of a leak after refitting, and the system needs a careful check, a vacuum and a fresh charge.
Who it's for
Your bedroom split cools only at night
We find and fix the leak at the flare joints, then vacuum and charge to the nameplate refrigerant type.
Ask on WhatsAppYour split was removed for renovation and refitted
We inspect every remade flare joint, vacuum the full line, then charge and confirm cooling has returned.
Ask on WhatsApp
What the job covers
- Check flare joints and valves
- Repair or remake flare
- Vacuum line and pressure test
- Charge to nameplate refrigerant type
- Run unit confirm cooling
How we work
How we work
- 1
Describe the fault
Tell us on WhatsApp what is happening and send a photo of the outdoor unit nameplate so we know the refrigerant type before we arrive.
- 2
Inspect and find the leak
The technician checks the flare joints at the indoor unit and the service valves at the outdoor unit and locates the leak before taking any further step.
- 3
Repair and vacuum
We tighten or remake the flare joint as its condition requires, then vacuum the line and watch the pressure hold to confirm the line is tight.
- 4
Charge and run
We charge with the nameplate type at the amount the inspection determines, then run the unit and confirm that cooling has returned to the normal level.
Fix the leak first or just top it up?
| Alrabih | The usual way | |
|---|---|---|
| The leak | Found and fixed first | Ignored, charged over it |
| Flare joint | Checked, remade if needed | Not checked |
| Vacuum | Before every charge | Often skipped |
| Refrigerant type | Nameplate only | Whatever is available |
| Line moisture | Removed by vacuum | Left inside the line |
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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
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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
Harat Al Yemen is an old historic district with closely packed residential and commercial blocks around narrow popular markets, and the narrow deep buildings leave little space to thread copper runs between indoor and outdoor units. Tight, frequently bent tubing is more prone to puncture and corrosion at stress points, and dust and humidity buildup in tight spaces speeds rust spread. Incomplete vacuum during first installation or previous service may have left moisture inside the tubing, worsening corrosion and poor efficiency.
Harat Al Yemen lies in Jeddah's historic downtown in the old city centre, a district of tightly adjoining residential and commercial blocks around narrow markets.
Most units here are relatively old split systems, the copper runs are tightly twisted due to building compression, and leaks typically occur at joints and bend points.
The AC setup in Harat Al Yemen
- 1
Old split with tightly twisted tubing
Tightly adjoining buildings in Harat Al Yemen force tubing to bend sharply and tightly, multiplying stress points and wear.
- 2
Window units still in some flats and shops
Some older shops and flats still use window units instead of split, less prone to leaks but less efficient.
- 3
Split with outdoor units on very narrow walls
Outdoor units are often mounted on very narrow façades or tiny balconies, hindering maintenance and inspection access.
Before the visit
Before our visit in Harat Al Yemen
- 1
Identify the outdoor unit location and distance from the shop
Know exactly where the outdoor unit is (façade, balcony, neighbouring roof) and the distance from your shop or flat.
- 2
Coordinate with the shop or building owner about visit time
If the unit is in a commercial shop, notify the owner beforehand to avoid clashing with working hours or building activities.
- 3
Ensure safe access through roofs or building balconies
We may need to reach via shared roofs or balconies, so confirm building management approval and path safety.
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FAQ
Questions about Split AC refrigerant charging
Does the split have to come off the wall to be recharged?
Usually not. Charging is done at the service valve on the outdoor unit, and if the leak is at the flare joints behind the indoor unit we reach them by lifting the lower cover or tilting the unit on its bracket. It only comes down when the joint is inside the wall.
Where do leaks usually occur in a wall split?
The most common points in a wall split are the flare joints at the indoor unit, which loosen over time from vibration, and the service valves at the outdoor unit. In Jeddah's humid and salty air, oxidation at copper connections can develop faster, which raises the chance of a leak.
Does the charging process differ when a split has been moved?
When a split is moved, the flare joints are disconnected and remade, and this is when air and moisture enter the line. A full vacuum before charging becomes especially important, and the technician checks every remade flare joint before the line is closed.
Why does my split cool only at night?
This is a common sign of low refrigerant. At night, lower outdoor air temperature lets the compressor partly compensate for the shortage. During Jeddah's daytime heat, the reduced charge is not enough and cooling weakens or stops. The inspection confirms whether this is the cause or whether another factor such as the compressor or capacitor is involved.
Does the length of the copper pipe run affect how much refrigerant is needed?
Yes, a longer copper pipe run between the two units requires more refrigerant. The site inspection measures the actual run length, and the technician sets the charge amount based on the nameplate figure and the installed pipe length.
My shop's very old AC no longer cools, is it better to charge it or replace the unit?
We inspect it first to check the leak location and current pressure. If the leak is small and the rest of the unit is sound, charging after repair may give you another year or two.
The tubing in my shop is bent tight due to space constraints, does that cause faster leaks?
Yes, tightly bent tubing at bend points is more prone to puncture and wear. We inspect it carefully on every visit.
My building is very humid from steam and mould, does that speed refrigerant loss?
Yes, high humidity and mould in the old environment speed copper and joint corrosion. Moisture inside the tubing also speeds failure, so complete vacuum before charging is critical.
After charging, how long before loss returns if the leak is very small?
Depending on hole size, it may take weeks or months before noticeable loss. If the leak is very small, you may not notice it for a long time, but fixing the line first is better.
