A refrigeration circuit is sealed. It is not a fuel tank and it does not consume anything: the same refrigerant circulates for the life of the machine. So a unit that needs topping up every season is not thirsty, it is leaking, and every refill without a repair is money poured into the atmosphere. This is the most common thing customers in Riyadh are quietly overcharged for.
How a leak is actually found
- Recover whatever refrigerant remains instead of venting it.
- Pressurise the circuit with dry nitrogen and hold it — a sealed system holds pressure for hours.
- Soap-test every flare, valve core and service port; bubbles mark the point.
- Repair or re-flare the joint, then vacuum the system to remove moisture and air.
- Weigh in the exact charge stated on the nameplate — not “until it feels cold”.
Refrigerant types you will be quoted in Riyadh
| Type | Typical units | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| R22 | Units older than ~10 years | Being phased out, cost rising |
| R410a | Most current splits | Must be charged by weight, not pressure alone |
| R32 | Newer efficient models | Lower charge volume, higher efficiency |
Three years of refills versus one repair
Questions about this case
How do I know my AC is low on refrigerant?
Ice on the copper suction line, a small temperature difference at the vent, and cooling that gets worse through the afternoon. Only a gauge reading confirms it.
Is topping up without repair ever acceptable?
Only as a temporary measure before a planned replacement. As a routine it wastes money and harms efficiency, because a partially charged system runs hot.
How long does a leak repair and recharge take?
Around 90 minutes to two hours for a split unit, including the nitrogen hold and the vacuum stage. Skipping the vacuum saves 20 minutes and ruins the repair.
The same service in your district
AC cleaning & gas refill is available in Al Yasmin and every Riyadh district.
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